Because I travel about once a month (often to speak to groups about media discernment), instead of storing my suitcase in a dusty attic or basement, I actually keep it handy in my bedroom closet. I have about 10 items in that rollerboard that I never (or rarely) unpack such as a small Bible, copy of my passport and phone recharger. Another thing I keep packed is a small fold-up umbrella. This latter item would surprise folks who knew me back in high school and college. Back then for some reason, I refused to use an umbrella no matter how furious the cloudburst. I guess I had it in my head that real men braved the weather, and I wasn’t going to be any sissy. No, I’d rather be dripping wet with my 70s shoulder-length hair parted down the middle than do something sensible like use an umbrella.
It’s a wonder my wife ever agreed to go out with me. We were both from Colorado Springs, but we met in Oklahoma where we attended the same college. It rains a lot in Oklahoma. We’d be outside walking to class in a downpour and she would repeatedly invite me to share her umbrella. I never did. In fact, because I thought it was funny, when we’d pass people (who, of course, always used umbrellas), I’d often say in a voice loud enough for all to hear, “Please let me share your umbrella with you!” I thought it was belly-laugh hilarious. My wife (girlfriend, then fiancé at the time) didn’t. I wonder why?!
I now know that sharing is good—a theme that’s a big part of the new VeggieTales video, Veggies in Space: The Fennel Frontier. I’ve been a fan of VeggieTales for years because each episode (and the two feature films, too) is highly creative, family friendly and humorous, and each unfailingly underscores some biblical principle or verse. When my kids were under our roof, we watched a lot of VeggieTales. And as an adult viewer, I appreciate the nuggets that are thrown in with me in mind. In the latest, the veggies offer nods to Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who and 2001: A Space Odyssey. I even like the “Silly Songs with Bob and Larry” (just Larry on this one for the sing-a-long). I would so love to be part of the brainstorming for the next VeggieTales video (what about it, Phil and Mike?). I picture a handful of folks laughing nonstop as they brainstorm each clever and inspirational scene.
Those scenes in Veggies in Space revolve primarily around Captain Cuke and Mr. Spork and their spaceship the U.S.S. Applepies (I told you it riffed Star Trek). Spork has plenty of candy, but refuses to share with Cuke. In the vessel’s cafeteria, Cuke refuses to give Spork one of his straws even though he has three. And they squabble over the last pudding cup with nary a thought about sharing. A bevy of characters are similarly stingy. But it’s not until they encounter the “villainous” Luntar the Looter that they even remotely consider changing their greedy ways. As we soon find out, Luntar makes his home on planet Tootanny that has a dying sun. It needs energy. And the U.S.S. Applepies has energy to spare. But will Captain Cuke and Mr. Spock be willing to share, especially knowing it’ll slow their vessel if they do?
If you’re a parent reading this, I think you’ll want to get this new VeggieTales adventure for your kids (and hopefully add to your growing collection). If you’re a teen or twenty-something, you’re going to want to check it out as well. It’s as easy as clicking here or visiting any number of online outlets carrying the DVD. Most brick-and-mortar Christian bookstores and outlets have it, too. And be sure to download Clubhouse Jr.’s very own discussion guide for the show, too.
I suppose if I had one disappointment about Veggies in Space is that they didn’t include the message that it’s really okay to use an umbrella. I’m sure there are dozens of young men making the same mistake that I did, tromping through downpours with nothing but their hair and hipster beards to keep them dry. Surely the VeggieTales folks know how important an issue this is, but maybe they’re saving that for the next episode. I can see it now. Parasol in the Rain: Asparagus in the Mist with the silly song being, “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head (of lettuce).”
Or not.
I bet I just got un-invited to Phil and Mike’s next brainstorming session.
[Check out my blog about The League of Incredible Vegetables right here.]
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