With the recent passing of comic genius Robin Williams, I went back and watched one of my favorite childhood movies last weekend. Hook tells the story of Peter Banning (played by Williams), the grown up versions of Peter Pan, who has become both of successful lawyer and a neglectful father. Early on, Banning’s two children are kidnapped by Captain James Hook and taken to Neverland. In order to save his children, both physically and his relationship to them, Banning must discover the Pan he once was and save the day.

Having not seen this film in over ten years, I discovered it in a whole new way. What was just entraining and fanciful as a child proved educational and profound as an adult. The story of Hook, and of Peter Pan, is impossible to tell without magic. And watching this story unfold again reminded me that it is indeed possible to make magic. 

Now before you go calling me a warlock and a blasphemer, I am not talking about that kind of magic with wands and spells and things. Relax. I believe that it is possible to create our own type of magic though. But in order to do so, we must create an environment that is conducive to magic occurring.

J.M. Barry did this perfectly when he created Neverland. In Neverland, children are free to play and the battle against good and evil is clear and supported. With such opportunities for creativity, bravery, and heroism, how could there not be magic?

There was magic to be found in Peter Banning, but he wasn’t going to find it in the law office or on his cell phone. He needed the right environment to remind him of his boyhood happy thoughts. 

There is magic to be found in this world, but we must commit ourselves to creating, and being a part of, the kinds of environments where magic can and will occur.