Life Lessons from Peter Pan

It was another family night at the Greene household, and this was Madi’s night to decide what we would do.  Would it be games, the fire pit, reading and a puzzle or perhaps another movie? Her pick – a classic: Peter Pan.  Excellent!  One of my favorite Disney films.  As we were watching, I realized Peter’s a pretty smart kid.  He knows some stuff about life. 

So, here’s my take on some key life lessons from Peter Pan…

First, Peter said that in order to fly you need to think happy thoughts.  The Bible fully supports this in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” This scripture doesn’t reference flying, as we would define it, but we could make the argument that flying is a great metaphor for our overall success in life.  So, think happy thoughts.

Second, Peter taught us to always keep our word.  In fact, in the final fight scene with Captain Hook, Peter is goaded into committing to fight without flying, much to Wendy’s chagrin.  In fact, when she encouraged Peter with “Fly, Peter! Fly!” Peter responded by saying, “No! I gave my word!”  If all of us kept our word, no matter what, much like Peter did, things might look a little better everywhere. Always keep your word.

Third, have fun.  Everything Peter did was about having fun. There are certainly times for seriousness, but wow, we often take that perspective much too far.  Maybe we should follow a little more of Peter Pan’s mentality in life and lighten up a bit, and enjoy the ride.  Have fun.

Last, he taught us to love our mother.  After all, Peter risked a lot to have a mother for him and the Lost Boys.  And in the end, despite the fact that he chose not to grow up, he did not begrudge Wendy and her brothers or the Lost Boys from going home to be with their mother.  Because he knew how much it mattered to them.  Love your mom.  And dad, too!

There you have it. Four key life lessons from Peter Pan:

1.  Think happy thoughts

2.  Keep your word

3.  Have fun

4.  Love  your mother