Although a loyal and faithful subject of Anakin's royal admiration court , my mind has been somehow drawn to thinking about Obi-Wan quite a lot lately.

Not thinking about him in a girlish-squee-fantasy-sort-of-way, but as something bigger, something deeper. I think this sort of began because as a mom, wife and teacher, I am always trying to do the right things for those whom I love. I am always looking for inspiration and strength to help guide my thoughts and actions. As a Christian, I do find my strength in the Lord, but I also believe that the Lord speaks to us in mysterious and unplanned ways.

Strange as it may seem, recently, that inspiration has been coming to me from Obi-Wan. I know I can share that with all of you because you all appreciate and respect the things that Star Wars in general has offered and brought to your lives. If I said that in the teacher's lounge I would probably be laughed at and told that I needed to take an early retirement!

To me, Obi-Wan is the epitome of what "good" really is. As Anakin said "He is as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu." Even Yoda seemed to "look up" to Obi-Wan (both literally and figuratively ). Yoda trusted Obi-Wan with tasks such as protecting Padmé, finding and defeating Grievous; destroying Vader and even delivering the infant Luke to the Lars' on Tatooine (among other things).

Obi-Wan is everything I hope I can be. Wise, steady, realistic, practical, fiercely loyal and dedicated. He is loving, compassionate and empathetic. He has loads of integrity. He knows when to be serious and when to lighten up and have fun. He is physically strong, mentally and emotionally balanced, and is unwavering in his character. He is also for REAL - you know what he's all about and he doesn't try to be something he's not.

You can count on Obi-Wan to do what he needs to do; what is in the best interest of those he serves. Some may argue that he was dishonest with Luke, only telling him about his father from "a certain point of view," or that he was sneaky in boarding Padmé's ship in order to track Anakin to Mustafar. I don't think so - he did what he HAD to, even if his personal feelings may have been drawing him in a different direction. How many of us can say we would be as unwavering as he in situations such as those?

Obi-Wan has served not only as a Jedi, but as a mentor, friend, brother, father-figure, confidant and conscience. He has provided advice, solace, comfort and hope to those around him. He is respected by the highest of royalty and military ranks, but is also treasured by his "friends in low places."

I know it seems that I'm just throwing lists of adjectives around, but this is how I truly see Obi-Wan. I could literally go on and on - as a matter of fact, I actually edited this entry so as not to sound like I was just rambling (did it work??). Perhaps you've noticed that I talk about him in the present sense. We all know that he dies in the saga, but his legacy lives on and is existing in all of us.

How does Obi-Wan inspire you?

I found a video that really sums up how I feel. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so enjoy the show.

I raise my glass of Jawa Juice to you, Obi-Wan. Cheers.

May the Force Be With You...always.
~MO2YP~