I like to think I'm pretty in tune when it comes to connecting to illustrations of mental health in the media. Bluey is a perfect example of taking complex issues and condensing them into bite-sized stories that resonate with parents and children (and Joe). Stories like "Stickbird" and "The Show" are straightforward enough to help children (and parents) communicate and articulate their emotions. However, there's one popular episode that I have to admit went over my head: "Space"
While playing spaceship with Rusty and Jack, Mackenzie kept wandering off and acting more distracted than usual. Thinking of it like that, it's like this is Mackenzie's Stickbird moment. Something obviously bothered the young border collie, as he avoided his friends, and even got upset with them. After going through the "black hole" and seeing Calypso, he took heart, and was able to resolve the issue weighing on him.
Maybe the reason why it went over my head, at first, is because the mental issues in this episode felt even more vague than in "Stickbird" (I think Mackenzie felt scarred by thinking his mom had left him behind at the park, but it's not perfectly clear). Like "Stickbird", the unclear backstory makes it applicable to as many viewers as possible. So while this story went over my head initially, there was a day recently that made me think of Mackenzie's space exploration in a new light.
I've not been shy about my experiences returning from my mission prematurely. As each homecoming anniversary rolls around and I think about the years since taking off the missionary tag, there's always a strange mix of emotions. Especially in the first several years after coming home, my feelings of failure and shame made a mess of me at this time of year. Through much prayer and therapy, I've come to treasure that sacred time and the tears that followed.
Pondering that period of my life and praying to Heavenly Father, I recalled Calypso's words to Mackenzie: "You know what's here. You don't need to keep coming back to this place." I've prayed many times for God's reassurance of my work as a missionary, as a father, and as a husband. As imperfect humans we have a short spiritual memory, I think the Lord is adept at sending us reassurance when needed.
That being said, a quote from Elder Holland comes to mind: "If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted in it, it is right now." (“Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence”) So while I don't know that Heavenly Father minds sending reassurances as needed, there are times when my reassurance from the Spirit comes to me more like "You already know the answer." So while praying about my relationship with God, it's no wonder that the Spirit came through with the words from Calypso.
"You don't need to keep coming back."
This doesn't just apply to your mental health (though it definitely applies to that). It applies to answers to prayer as well.
You know what's here. You don't need to keep coming back. You can trust the answers you've already received. You can move forward, and be present with what is right there in front of you.
More Content You Might Like:
- "5 Mental Health Strategies from Bluey" by Spencer
- "Bandit is Why I Loved The Sign" by Spencer
- "Bluey: A Pinnacle of (Family? Everyone's?) Animation" by Kenton
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