When you get to grow up the second time around, there are things you do better than you did the first. The first time, he'd missed five birthdays while off fighting in the Westlands. This time around, he'd make sure he stayed or arrived on time for each one. He was especially keen not to miss Edmund's fifteenth birthday celebration. He would never forgive himself for coming home half-dead the first time. He would not willingly put Lucy through pain again because he'd been a block-head. He wouldn't let Susan shed tears over his injured body because he had done things his way instead of Aslan's.

When you are given the blessing of growing old a second time, you do not waste such a gift. This time, he would not hide his pain, his fears, and his worries from them. He wouldn't be so careful to get attached for fear of losing them to battle, illness, or storms at sea. No, he'd love them with all he was capable of giving them. He'd embrace them for all he was worth. He couldn't afford to wall them off when they were all he had. Together, they could build worlds and restore empires. He would believe Lucy, support Peter, and console Susan, this time around. There was no going back.

When you are allowed a second chance at adulthood, you don't muddle things. Well, at least you try not to. She had allowed her heart to be broken too many times and hoped on wishful dreams. She wouldn't be so foolish this time around. Oh no, she'd use her second life wisely. That last time, it had been ghastly. She'd forgotten herself in the wake of ruling a place not meant for her. She'd not be so stupid again. This time, she'd tell Edmund to snap out of it, make sure Lucy didn't get her heart broken as she had, and help Peter realize they had to forget and move on. She was the oldest sister, this was her role. She'd accept it with grace.

When you get to see the world from the height of a child for the second time, you remember. She'd forgotten how delightful it was not to worry about her siblings. She'd forgotten how little time mattered; not that she'd ever paid special attention to it anyway. This time around, she would be careful. She wouldn't let people ignore her. She was small, but she was greater than she looked. She would hold Peter together and keep him from acting out of guilt. She'd return Edmund's love zealously because she knew how he had been careful about showing it the first time. She wouldn't make Susan stay with them though she knew it was better for her. She'd let her find her own way, because that was how Aslan did things. It hurt, but they were all great men and women, they could do it.

When you get to grow into adulthood the second time, you are honest with yourself. You are careful. But we are not given this miracle. Most people only grow up once, so be careful, be wise, be honest, be valiant. Use the only time you have to the best of your ability. Cherish it, because you cannot do things again. Make the most of the first time, because it is your last. Logic tells us to make mistakes because you learn from them. But logic isn't always the best policy.

"It is better to see the Lion and die, than to be Tisroc of the world and live and not have seen Him." – Emeth

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul?" – Mark 8:36 ESV

Live your life always seeing the Lion ahead, even when others cannot. To live again is a gift no one is given, so spend your only life beautifully.

~ Fin ~