The movie The Lion King elevated a theme that has been repeated and replayed many times over in the movies; that being the idea of the circle of life, and the realness or reality of that concept. In fact the movie even gave us an Academy Award nominated song “Circle of Life.” The Lion King tells the story of Simba as he matures from a carefree lion cub to the new king of the plains, taking the place of his father. At the end of the movie Simba ultimately raises his newborn offspring to the heavens as a dedication and acknowledgement of the circle of life. In between, there is doubt, discouragement, and even rebellion. He encounters much about the world, both good and bad, while on his journey.

Remember too, the Walt Disney movie Bambi, in which a gangly, awkward, and fun-loving fawn becomes a majestic and empowered leader of the forest? In between, there also was conflict.

The common thread is the maturation process from a carefree childhood to the mid years with trials, tribulations, and testing; continuing to and through a position of maturity and leadership as an adult. Surely, these are important components of the circle of life. These processes knock off and round off the corners, and seemingly turn a block of clay into a smooth cylinder or circle.

Our experiences as adults and then as parents confirm the circle of life too. I have two daughters. They both were young and carefree once. Mom and dad were their whole world as providers, protectors, healers, and decision-makers. Then they both grew up; way too fast I might add. They both experienced trials, tribulation, and testing. And this made them no different from dad or mom; friend or foe; or from anyone who has gone before them for that matter. Now they both are entering adulthood with their feet hitting the ground at full speed. Only now, the world seems to be spinning at a faster speed requiring faster feet. There is more to dodge, more to be wary of, more to embrace, and more to comprehend and deal with than when I was their age.

My youngest just graduated from high school and is about to enter college. There she will be challenged academically as well as introduced to new people, new ideas, and new interpretations of old ideas. I suspect; no, I am sure, that there will be growth in many areas and on many levels as a result. Successes and failures will occur and if my experience in the circle of life is any indication, she will be better off for having experienced both. Corners will be knocked off and there will be a rounding off and a smoothing process.

My oldest just graduated from college this past May. Her college experience presented challenges common to many students. Undoubtedly there were a few extra challenges encountered as a result of being a married student her senior year. She is deciding between entering the work-a-day world and pursuing an advanced degree. How about both? What about research and volunteering? What about now versus the unforeseen future? Whatever she decides will likely present new roadblocks and challenges. She too will continue to have corners chipped away and rounded off.

As I reflect back on my life and that of my wife, I see many similarities to both girls in their journeys past, present, and even future; or as best as I can see the future. We went to college. We got jobs. We got married. We pursued advanced education. We pursued friends. We pursued a family of our own. And first and foremost, we pursued God.

In our two daughters, I continue to see personal, spiritual, and intellectual growth ahead. I see education and professions to be learned. I see forks in the road, branch points, and decisions to be made that will alter future paths. I see relationships and families of their own. I see two beautiful girls, inside and out, that will continue to go forward, continue to shine, and continue to make a positive difference in this world. We shall continue to lift them up to the Heavens.

Behold the circle of life.

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