Have you ever had a crush that you could not shake – someone who found his or her way into your mind and heart for years on end? We find out that since Anakin Skywalker was about eight years old he thought about Padmé (Queen Amidala) everyday for the next ten years. Wow! I’ve had my share of crushes but none of them have lasted for ten years! (Unless you count my childhood crush on Michael J. Fox ~smile~)
At the beginning of Attack of the Clones (Episode II), we find out that the galaxy is moving toward civil war. At the end of Episode I, Senator Palpatine is elected as Chancellor, but he just seems evil to me. Senator Amidala (i.e., Padmé – former Queen of Naboo) is in danger and Anakin is assigned to protect her while his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, investigates an assassination attempt made on her life.
Padmé and Anakin go back to her homeland of Naboo for safety, and during their time together they begin developing strong feelings for each other. This is all part of the story, but I will add that any time a man and women spend a lot of secluded time together, feelings are almost always going to develop. Keep that in mind. ~wink~
It’s also clear in this second Episode that Anakin is becoming arrogant. He believes that Obi-Wan is jealous of him and holding him back. The Jedi Counsel’s concerns about Anakin are also coming to fruition as an evil gleam begins to show in his eyes as he looks on Padmé – he wants her so much. Unfortunately, his feelings for her cloud his judgment and Jedis aren’t supposed to be in romantic relationships… but he isn’t interested in following the rules. She fights her feelings for a while, but eventually Padmé gives in and they love each other in secret.
Believe me, I can relate to Anakin and Padmé in this movie. There have been a number of times that I knew it was not right for me to be in a relationship, but I went against the leading of the Holy Spirit and got my heart tangled up anyway. My feelings for these guys were real and I wanted to believe all the pop culture fairy tales. In other words, I wanted to follow my heart!
But, my heart, in reality, was leading me toward all my selfish desires. I knew that I was going against the truth that I had been taught by my spiritual mentors and I knew that I was running from God, but I just continued to flirt dangerously near the proverbial cliff. I would get so frustrated with the churning inside myself because I knew the Holy Spirit was dealing with my heart. Instead, I just wanted God to approve of my plans and desires instead of having me seek to follow His will.
Time after time, I would get involved with a boy, then after finally surrendering to the Holy Spirit, I would break off the relationship. So, instead of obeying God from the beginning, I would hurt my heart and someone else’s heart as well.
My biggest take away from this movie is that when we ignore wisdom and chase our own desires, we are always asking for trouble. It’s not that Padmé and Anakin were not worthy to be loved, but they both had a job to do. They had a great purpose and falling for each other at that time seriously hindered them from pursuing their callings.
It was a fun story to watch. I know I was just as excited to see them fall in love as the next girl, but in reality, love stories are always greatest when God is at the center. Our hearts will betray us, but God protects His own.
Do you seek wisdom in determining who to date given the calling that God has put on your life?