Mufasa: The Lion King is a picture of life after exams and school

At the end of last year, the Disney film Mufasa: The Lion King came out. I highly recommend it. It’s a story about trial and triumph, fighting and freedom – perhaps providing some much-needed inspiration for many young people who are bemoaning the stress of school. Many have finished their exams and are enjoying the clear skies and clear diaries; yet it will be a couple of weeks before others break up from school. This is the time to remind young people of that ancient wisdom, ‘work hard, play hard!’

Mufasa’s Struggle and ‘Milele’

Huge spoiler alert! The story of Mufasa (the young lion club) starts with pandemonium as Mufasa’s blissful day out with mum and dad is violently and rudely interrupted by a mighty river current that engulfs their landscape and sweeps him down stream. Despite the efforts of both the parents and the young lion cub to be reconciled, the water has other ideas, and Mufasa is carried far away from home, being deposited somewhere in no man’s land. Fortunately for him, he meets a sociable, kind young lion who vouches for him to become part of the pride he belongs to. The rest of the narrative follows Mufasa as he navigates the stress, anxiety and discomfort of being away from home – all the while holding dear the hope of a beautiful, peaceful and adventuristic place his parents always told him about called Milele. In the midst of danger, challenges and fear, the hope of Milele seems to enable Mufasa to endure trying times.

As young people are currently waiting for exam results, as youth workers we’re hearing young people say the following and more:

“That paper cooked me…” – i.e. I don’t think I did well

“I missed out two questions…”

“Exam season was not the one…” – i.e. I didn’t enjoying it.

Painting pictures of my plans in my head helped me to endure the struggle of exams and push through to the end of the year

Of course, we’re delighted when we hear “that paper was easy” or “they’re going well” but much of the exam season is characterized by worry and angst - this is a good time to remind young people of the Milele of Summer. Yes, for now, they are having to work hard, work under the pressure of time constraints, and agonize over what they ‘could’ve’ or ‘should’ve’ done more or less of. Looking back to my schooling days, as end of year came around and amidst the pressure of exams, I always remember ruminating over what I would do in summer, especially as I neared the end of year 11 and year 13 – where explosive celebrations would follow after the end of GCSEs or A levels. Painting pictures of my plans in my head helped me to endure the struggle of exams and push through to the end of the year. So, this is a time where parents can participate in painting pictures with their children, for their children, to function as incentives to work hard now – because the time to play hard is just around the corner!

Pictures of Milele

The imagery around Milele tends to vary from child to child, family to family, and friendship group to friendship group. When I was at school, at the end of year 11 and year 13, we used to have high school proms – dancing, dates, music and mates! Granted, not for everyone, but many of us looked forward to these; and some schools still subscribe to this classic tradition. Outside of prom, summer can provide many other opportunities for hanging with friends and family – sleepovers, summer camps (I’d highly recommend Satellites Summer Camp for young people – bookings are open now!), festivals, concerts, meals out, movie marathons; the list is virtually limited to one’s imagination. And just because I loved movie marathons growing up, let me take this opportunity to flag up some upcoming releases for parents who have young people who share the same past time - the new Superman, Fantastic Four and Jurassic World Reborn all come out this summer.

there’s no feeling like doing your best and the rest and relaxation that follows after knowing you gave your all. The Bible puts it this way: ‘People who work hard sleep well…’ (Ecclesiastes 5:12)

For some young people, whilst time with others is very much valued, one can also look forward to some time alone – either catching up on some much-needed sleep (frequently mentioned as an item on the summer bucket list!), or some time immersed in a hobby like reading, skating, bike-riding or drawing. Whatever the image, this kind of light at the end of the tunnel can provide some motivation in the middle of the hard work and stress! With all that said, summer also provides occasion for some necessary reflection, as well as opportunities for growth and self-development.

After Milele?

After a taxing and turbulent quest for Milele, Mufasa arrives. He reaches the dreamland! In a climatic do or die battle, he leads an army of animals against the nefarious ‘outsiders’ which ends in victory! And after such a hard-won effort, the rest, peace and joy Mufasa experiences in Milele is so evident. Likewise, at this time, young people need to know that the Milele of summer will be even more enjoyable after they’ve given their best – there’s no feeling like doing your best and the rest and relaxation that follows after knowing you gave your all. The Bible puts it this way: ‘People who work hard sleep well…’ (Ecclesiastes 5:12).

Read more:

Lilo and Stitch – Finding life after death

Thunderbolts* – Redemption in the face of darkness

Snow White – A kingdom of love, not fear

However, after he leads the animals to victory, Mufasa finds himself having to confront yet another challenge – that of being King of Milele (it seems a sequel is bound to happen!). Similarly, whilst Milele is coming for young people, new challenges will present themselves yet again after summer is over – a new year, a new school, a new university, a new job etc. Therefore, summer is also a time where young people can reflect on the past year and consider how they’d like next year to be similar or different.

It’s also a time to take advantage of opportunities for self-development and preparing for the future – like work experience or learning a new skill; and some young people enjoy such opportunities and can look forward to them. Either way, it would be good for young people to seek to find a balance between fun and future in summer, because excesses either side aren’t advisable. Like one wise aunt of mine used to say to me: ‘Everything in moderation’. Further, the Bible says: “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive (1 Corinthians 10:23). ‘It is often said, ‘Do your best and let God do the rest.’ This is great advice! But parents can also add: ‘Do your best, and enjoy the rest’ – whilst helping young people to plan their rewarding rest periods.