by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
I love all the Christmas specials that come around every year during the holidays, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has always been one of my favorites. I identify with his lack of self-confidence, his heart for his friends and especially his gumption when Santa called on him to step up and guide the sleigh that night.
And it occurs to me that, as believers who write, there are a lot of valuable lessons in this holiday tale.
1. We’re all born with a special gift.
2. At some point we all feel like that special gift is a curse.
3. Hiding who we really are brings out the bullies and naysayers.
4. We all need time to mature into our gift.
5. Trying to live up to the image of who others think we should be won’t bring anything but trouble and heartache.
6. True friends will see beyond our differences and embrace the essence of who we are.
7. We’re given that special gift for a reason and a purpose.
8. Running away from who we are doesn’t ever solve anything.
9. There will come a time when you have to decide to work within your gift, not around it.
And the best
lesson of all . . .
lesson of all . . .
10. Being who God meant you to be will bless others as much as you.
How about you?
Care to share something you’ve learned from an unlikely source? Be sure to
share your thoughts below in the comments section.
Edie Melson—author, blogger, speaker—has written numerous books, including her most recent fiction – Alone, and nonfiction – While My Child is Away. She’s also the military family blogger at Guideposts.org. Her popular blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month and has just been named as one of the 2017 Writer’s Digest Top 101 Websites for Writers. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the Vice President of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, as well as the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine.
The Conversation
Thank you sharing your lesson from Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. I learned a similar lesson from the story of Tinker Bell the fairy. She wanted to be like other fairies who gave color to the field of flowers or dew to the earth. She didn’t value the ability to tinker (invent or repair). But in the time of chaos, her ability saved the day. God has given each of us unique abilities and he prepares us for the day when that ability is in dire need. It’s not every day. But the day will come.
Super. Thank you!
Edie, I love it! In keeping with Christmas cartoons, I learned compromise from the Heat Miser and Snow Miser https://youtu.be/a7M9xqsvvh4 Here is the clip for your enjoyment.
I learned (or was reminded) from the Vincent and the Doctor episode of Doctor Who that someone can achieve great things but never truly understand that they have. So, whether you feel like you’re a shining star or not in what you’re doing, keep doing it if that is what you’re passionate about. It may have a greater impact than what you think.