I have read The Secret Garden countless times since I was a young girl—a beloved story. I now feel such a strong connection to Mary Lennox’s hero’s journey—it resonates immensely to my present season of life. The door that opens the secret garden is a symbol that transforms Mary, giving her the opportunity to heal through a newly discovered purpose and meaning.
The hero is helped by being in touch with primitive things—a tree, an animal, nature. Burnett illustrates this example with the robin’s alignment to those who believe in its power. The robin guides Mary in finding both the key and door to the secret garden. The garden gives Mary something to attach to, hope for, and tend to. Allowing her to process and understand the magic in positive thinking.
It has been quite agonizing standing in front of my own door—staring at it and dreaming of the day I could finally step through it. I worked diligently to build the bridge that has led me to this magnificent door.
I envision God aligning and arranging all things for my success behind it. Only HE has the key.
The most difficult part of my hero’s journey has been surrendering and comprehending that I have done my part— all that I could possibly do for now. I need to let go and just trust in all the signs and in what HE has promised me. I am desperate to turn that knob—to behold my destiny, but I will remain hopeful.
Romans 8:24-25 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.