A Still Moment in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

"This little one isn't worth the effort. Come let me buy you something…"

Old Ben was only trying to protect arguably the most important Jedi of all time – who wouldn’t resort to a little witty negotiating at a time like this? And this moment in time – this still moment from a galaxy far, far away – affected the whole Star Wars universe. In fact, I propose that it was the most important moment in the saga. No—really!

When Luke left the Lars’ homestead, he was ready to become a Jedi. "There’s nothing left for me here now," he told Ben. Once in Mos Eisley, however, his world began to change. "You’ve taken your first steps into a larger world. . ."

Bullied by Dr. Evazan at the Cantina bar, Luke immediately showed he was cool under pressure. He didn’t panic & he didn’t try to engage the situation. He just turned back to his drink. The Force, however, nudged old Ben to stay alert. Obedient as ever, Ben listened. He stood up for Luke. He treated him protectively – parentally. Luke’s reaction was both surprised and defensive – he was ready to fight his own battles! – he didn’t need old Ben!. . .but the situation quickly turned. Ben’s response was swift and precise. His skill with the lightsaber amazed Luke. It entranced him.

This was a turning point for Luke. Certainly losing his Aunt & Uncle was a critical moment. And Ben had introduced him to the lightsaber once before back at his dwelling in the deserts of Tatooine. But this moment was Luke’s first glimpse of what it meant to be a Jedi. Of what it meant to sense danger; to be provoked; to try "aggressive negotiations;" and to defend the innocent. It was the concrete embodiment of his new vocation.

Most persons who are gifted with a special talent remember their first association with that talent. Mary Lou Retton might remember her first summersault, Warren Buffet might remember his first sale and Peyton Manning might remember the first time he held a football. This was that moment for Luke. The "a-ha!" moment. If they had not walked into that bar and been provoked, if Ben had not drawn his saber and if Luke had not been entranced by the moment, then things might have gone differently in the GFFA.

What’s that? I can hear you! Go ahead. Admit it. Shout it out. "That’s crazy talk!" "I can name at least 100 other Star Wars moments that were more critical than this. . .!" "This is nothing, a passing moment, a fleeting scene."

Well – you’re right. And you’re wrong.

The point is – the point is – that EVERY moment is a turning point. Every moment is a moment we decide to move forward into the great adventure or go back to the burned-out homestead. At that moment on Mos Eisley, many decisions were made. Luke could’ve provoked the man. Ben could’ve ignored the will of the Force. The patrons could’ve joined the fray. Luke could’ve been appalled at Ben and walked out. Luke could’ve become afraid and run away. Ben could’ve felt too old. Solo & Chewbacca could’ve been watching from their table and decided to leave. Luke could’ve been killed. . .

Every moment, every decision has a cause and effect that we can’t even begin to imagine. To me, this is what the Star Wars saga is about – making decisions. The "how" and the "why" of the decision making process are left to us. Are we pawns in a game? Or do we control our own destinies? Do we live in the "here and now?" Or do we look to the future at the "expense of the moment?" Do we calm ourselves and wait patiently or do we embrace our passions?

*psst!* You! Yeah, you – the reader! Come here! I’ll let you in on a little secret – Lucas gave us the answer about choice. Anakin at one point bemoans his fate stating: "I have no choice." That statement was his downfall. He did have a choice – he just didn’t want to accept it. His redemption – and ours – can occur only when we embrace this realization. Every moment – every decision counts!

This message about choice is so important and so incredibly relevant to our times. We all need to consider the choices we make and how they reach out exponentially into the expanded universe. We need to see a drink at a bar as an opportunity. This does not mean we must stress over every single moment. It means we need to prepare ourselves; to learn to balance our intelligence and our passions; to learn to be mindful of the future, but live in the here and now. A difficult task, at best – but this is the challenge of our lives – isn’t it?

The moment in time embodied by Ben, Luke & a drunk at a bar could’ve been absolutely nothing at all. Or, it could’ve been everything. What can we learn from this? Hopefully, we can learn to prepare, to listen, to balance intellect with emotion, to be aware of future consequences, but to embrace the moment. Or, we could simply learn this: when a Jedi offers to buy you a drink – take him up on the offer – or it might be a moment you live to regret!