I really think it is time to let it go.

I have three young daughters who are, like many of my grade 8 students and apparently a large percentage of people generally, obsessed with the movie Frozen.

Hardly a day goes by when there is not a musical number from Frozen being staged in my living room, complete with costumes and dramatic dance moves. Many mornings when I crawl out of bed bleary-eyed, my daughters are already at my laptop, watching YouTube versions of the Frozen songs and learning the lyrics to “Let It Go” in 25 different languages (that’s educational, right?).

I’m sure we were not the only family with a few Olafs gracing our front yard when it snowed this winter, and as I write this, my daughter is in the kitchen helping to make supper and sharing her favourite Olaf quotes with Daddy.  I heard from my daughters about the Frozen sing-a-long at the elementary school over lunch—I can think of some middle and high school students (and adults) who would have enjoyed that too.

Yet as much as I am growing weary of Frozen, I have to admit the songs are catchy and the lyrics can be oddly fitting to my feelings and experiences. Sometimes I feel like I really can’t hold it back anymore and I do want to turn away and slam the door.

But sometimes I also need to take a step back and try to look at things from beyond my own limited experience, in the light of God’s love and providence.

When I remember this, the fears that threaten to control me don’t get to me at all (or, not as much, anyway).  I can do a better job at pushing myself and test the limits in all aspects of my life, as a Christian, a wife, parent, or teacher. I can leave the past in the past, when I have made mistakes and just need to apologize, commit to do better, and then move on, trusting in God’s grace. And in Christ’s sacrifice for me, it’s so wonderful to be free!

I may not have an ice palace or her amazing hair, but I grudgingly confess I probably do have more in common with Elsa than I would like to admit.

And honestly, the cold doesn’t bother me.  I grew up in Edmonton, after all.