This is an ode to probably one of my favorite books of all time, “The Lord of the Rings”. I am only three chapters away from finishing up the book series and am finding myself saddened by its’ soon ending. I could read all three of them over again and relive each Hobbit moment and emotional monologue if I choose, but remembering that I took on this quest of reading all the books about this same time last year, I will release the idea to other enjoyments that need my attention. I thoroughly took delight in reading through a chapter here and there at the closing of my busy days here overseas. I enjoyed taking my mind off the difficulty of learning a new language or adjusting to a different culture and instead found myself wrapped up in events that took place first in a creative author’s mind and then years later discovered by readers like me. I admit that I am not a good writer, nor ever will be, but one thing I admire in Tolkien and hope to strengthen in myself is his ability to be creative in his story telling.It was “The Lord of the Rings” story that God used to direct me to question my purposes in this life during a time where I was seeking none. God revealed to my heart my longing to be a part of a real story where He is the only author, not me. I was challenged by the lives of characters that are only fictional, yet I carry no shame in how God spoke to me. I love and have always loved stories, and God spoke to me in such a way as to use a story. I found myself, while reading the books this year, frequently relating myself to the stories two main characters, Frodo and Sam. Some days I could relate to Sam, strong and courageous yet doubtful at what I was doing, and other days I felt weak and helpless like Frodo, feeling the weight of a burden often times not mine to carry, at least not carry alone. Somehow I feel God has showed me a healthy balance between the both. He showed me that in my weakness He is strong and that the burdens I mistakenly choose to carry can be given up to Him. Other days I feel like Gimli the dwarf, ready to battle hard but in my own strength instead of His. The other Hobbits, Merry and Pippin, I feel are there to bring me a smile, and hope always shines brightest when Gandalf appears reminding me that Christ is my anchor of hope. My hope in Christ is that He will return for us and the war we live in daily will have its’ end. I view this life on earth, the life He blesses us with, takes place in a real war that we cannot see with our eyes, but we do feel in our hearts. Living in this country, where lostness is so vast and sin dwells in abundance in the hearts of so many lives, reminds me of the spiritual war and of my willingness to be a part of His story so that many will be saved. The joys of working for Him are so wonderful, yet still the pain I daily take into my heart because we do live in a fallen world have to be taken to Him in order for me to continue on in His strength and wisdom. “Sorrowful yet always rejoicing.”
