Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Summary: Edmund and Lucy find themselves in Narnia again, this time accompanied by their spoiled cousin Eustace. They are reunited with Prince Caspian, who is now several years older. They set off on a voyage to discover what became of seven loyal knights that Caspian's uncle had banished during his reign as king of Narnia. They discover several unusual islands with a new adventure on each one. Eventually they discover the fate of all seven knights and Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace return home.

For a long time, this was my least favorite book in the series, which actually surprises me because now I love it! I think it was just a little over my head when I was younger. This book, as all of the others, is full to the brim of analogies I could go on and on about. However, since I am on some serious time constraints - and I'm sure you all are too - I will only focus on one today. You'll just have to read the book to find the others. :)
When the children first arrive in Narnia, Eustace is absolutely horrible. He hates it there and is always complaining and trying to cause trouble. He torments Reepicheep especially. Caspian, Edmund, and Lucy's patience is often tried with him but we see their constant struggle to remain kind to him. At one point, the Dawn Treader gets attacked by a sea monster and after the battle, they land on an island for repairs. Unwilling to help with the work, Eustace wanders off and discovers a hidden treasure trove. He puts on a bracelet he finds there and curls up and falls asleep. When he wakes up, he has been changed into a dragon. He is incredibly horrified by this change. He is scared to go back to the others in his new and terrible form, but he does and after they realize who he is, they make his life as easy as possible. This physical transformation sparks the beginning of change for Eustace. He starts making himself useful and is incredibly helpful in the ship repairs. Finally, the day before they are to set sail again, Aslan appears privately to Eustace. He asks him if he wants to become a human again. Of course, Eustace says yes and Aslan tells him that he has only to peel away the dragon scales on his body. Eustace desperately begins clawing at himself, peeling away layer after layer. He is in considerable pain but he wants to be human again so badly that he continues. Finally, it becomes evident that he is unable to peel away enough layers. Aslan then steps in and does it for him. With one deep and excruciatingly painful gesture, Aslan pulls away Eustace's dragon skin and he is human once more.
I love the picture here that no matter how hard we try to change ourselves, and how successful we may appear to be, in the end, only Jesus can save us from our sin. The relief and freedom that Eustace experiences after this transformation is beautiful.

Have a good week and a happy Monday - if that is possible when its snowing. Question: was there snow before the fall? I doubt it. :(