Hey everyone!

Words cannot express how excited I am to be doing this week’s episode with you. As a child, the lines that resonated with me most were these:

“Why do you not give me chores? Denton feeds your geese!” Hugh whines.

“I did not ask him to do this,” Dame Martha replies. “Denton sees what is to be done and does it.”

Wow. What I love most is that, just like the kingdom room, this simple phrase opens up a whole world of possibilities! Because once you learn to see what needs to be done, you’re set for life! You’ll cure boredom, find motivation for life, and walk the rich and fulfilling path of life paved with generosity and blessing. Sound to be too good to be true? You’re about to see.

Last week Hugh is in desperate search of something to do. While he longs to play with the boys of the village, they are all busy working! 

He is mocked, shamed, and rather embarrassed! His lack of motivation and skill are a constant source of discomfort.

Now, up to this point, we’ve been rather hard on poor Hugh. He may be spoiled and selfish, but he is rather clueless. Everything has always been handed to him on a silver platter. He’s never had to think for himself before. He’s traveled through life much like the fool in Proverbs – aimlessly wandering through life, satisfying his every desire and not considering where he is going.

At the beginning of the audio drama, Sir Malcolm reminds Hugh’s father that the lad has the blood of the finest lady and the purest king the world has ever known. And, sure enough, something awakens inside the young boy. Something quiet, convicting, and completely foreign.

“You must learn to see in order to know what to do.” Dame Martha’s gentle advice rings through Hugh’s ears. 

How does one learn to see? His heart still longs to cry out with the bitter injustice of it all! If only someone would tell him what to do!

Then, shivering in the dead of night, an opportunity arises.

Only this time, instead of someone telling him what to do, for the first time Prince Hubert takes initiative. Something inside him is motivating him to do what is right. He suddenly sees a problem and, instead of grumbling and complaining, finds a solution.

What I love about this next sequence is Hugh’s awakened joy. He is now inspired by something above himself. He has purpose, meaning, value, and something to do! He finds that he is no longer dependent on others to aid his crippled spirit. He can be a blessing rather than a burden to others and, consequently, a whole new world opens up before him.

Hugh may have been chopping wood to keep himself warm, but his act of initiative also brings blessing to Dame Martha. Even though his timing was unusual (wood chopping by moonlight is certainly an odd chore of choice!), the boy’s starting to get it! And yet he has much to learn, as our story will reveal.

In next week’s episode, we’ll fast-forward through time and find Hugh as a young man. Adventure, intrigue, and daring difficulties will collide as Hugh meets an old friend—and it may not be who you think!

Tune in next week to find out!

See you then!

Molly

Writer/Editor

(And long-time enthusiast of Sir Malcolm and the Missing Prince)

P. S. Here are some of my favorite books on initiative:

• Little Threads (best for ages 6-11)

• Basil (best for ages 6-11)

• White Knights (best for ages 9-14)

• Message to Garcia (best for ages 12+)