A few days ago my family and I went to see the movie, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." We have become fond of Disney's Pirate movies. I am particularly impressed that they (Disney) have developed a very engaging story line around a prior existing ride at the theme parks. That's some creative work...

Central to what has captured my attention and imagination in these movies is the character of Jack Sparrow. Excuse me... Captain Jack Sparrow. He's cool looking, got a strange personality, interesting to observe, and you never know what he might say. So you find yourself hanging on every word — or at least I do.

Maybe he's a bit flaky too... But Captain Jack Sparrow isn't a real person, no matter how much he pulls us into his story and world. In truth, it (and he) does not exist. Jack only exists in our imagination and on the big screen, and in every Disney store, and at Disney World, and Disneyland... I hear what you are thinking, but you get what I mean. "Jack" is a means to an end — a marketing vehicle... Jack's purpose is to get into our pocket books and billfolds.

But isn't that what a Pirate is supposed to do?

Interesting.

At any rate... in order for Jack to get into our imagination, he first had to be dreamed up. He first had to be created. And who better to create him than Disney? Their business is all about making it up!

We're pretty good at this too.

Sometimes we create a fantasy world that we live in. If we don't like the life we are living, then we sometimes find ourselves day dreaming about a new life — one that gives us what we want and desire. And sometimes we move right on to living out this made-up life, complete with made-up events and people.

When I was growing up I had an imaginary friend. His name was Chock. I have no idea where I came up with the name, or the person behind the name. Sounds like a "Land of the Lost" kind of thing if you ask me though. I don't remember anything special about Chock, but I guess if I were to be challenged to tell something specific, I could make something up. What I do remember is that if ever there was trouble created, Chock is the one that did it!

My youngest son wears a T-shirt on occasion that says, "My imaginary friend just beat up your imaginary friend." Maybe it's not the best message, but it sure makes me quietly laugh when I see it on him. Maybe that's because it sparks some kind of child-like, creative, imaginary thoughts. Kind of sends one's mind off into another place, if only for a moment.

We are humans. That makes us natural dreamers, and people who wish our way through the day sometimes.

There is a line in the movie (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End) where one of the British Officers is commenting to the Commander, while curiously observing Captain Jack Sparrow casting off in a direction. The Officer says, "Do you think he actually plans everything out or just makes it up as he goes along?"

I personally think that is one of the central lines in the entire movie.

Life is kind of like this. Sometimes we might feel like we have charted a course, and sometimes we might look around and wonder how in the world we got here.

Jesus seemed to hit on this a lot when He would say things like, "don't be afraid!" And Jesus' teachings often seemed subversive. Sometimes when we expect Him to say "right" He might say, "left." I am particularly fascinated with the time when Peter looks out over the dark sea and spots Jesus walking on the water toward the boat, and Jesus says, "don't be afraid!" Yet Peter is terrified.

Who wouldn't be?

If I saw Jesus walking on the water toward me saying, "don't be afraid!" I would be scared stiff! Don't laugh or shake your head... You would be too.

Our humanness is strange. Deep down we dream of and wish for grand things — maybe even impossible things. And yet if they were to actually happen, we would freak out!

Dreaming about "a Pirate's life for me!" is one thing. Actually experiencing it could send us over the edge.

Weird. I know...

It's kind of like the way we think of Jesus sometimes. We might read about or hear about His life, but we're not often ready to get all wrapped up in it. Instead, it's like we settle for a strategy of wishing our way toward a "fulfilling" life — making it up as we go along...

Again, weird. I know...

I'm tired of wishing and wondering. I'm ready for something real — life in all fullness.

Jesus said something about this, didn't He? Check out John 10:6-11, and then look at Matthew 14:25-33.