A tweet was all it took to siderail my Saturday plans.
Next thing I knew, I was transported deep into the Shire, honoring the 82nd anniversary of The Hobbit.
The dwarves had settled into a comfortable life in the Blue Mountains. A life of peace and plenty. But could it compare to the gold of Erebor?
The cry of their hearts was an unequivocal “No!” So, they committed to journey to their long-forgotten home.
This life's a journey toward the Home we were born to. But finding the way can be treacherous and trying. There is One to follow, however—a King Who will lead every surrendered soul to victory.
But the want of "peace and plenty" of the world often replaces the longing for the true riches of our heavenly home.
Often we settle for less. Comfort. Ease. Plenty. But all the peace and plenty of this world (which is as fleeting vapor) does not compare to even one coin of heaven's gold.
Before we reach this journey's end, we'll come to intimately know joy and jubilation, sadness and sorrow, death and defeat, trial and triumph.
While Light has come, and death has been defeated, darkness has not been abandoned—for “a sickness lies over the wood."
There are forces unseen. Enemies abound—within and without. And life can get hijacked by hard.
But the humble among us set a steady pace.
As Gandalf whimsically offered, when asked why he chose the least-likely Bilbo: "I don't know. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small things. Everyday deeds of ordinary folks that keeps the darkness at bay. Ordinary acts of kindness. And love."
This grand tale contains many metaphors which parallel the biblical narrative of our life in Christ as we journey through this world.
In the darkness, and under assault by evil, they called for help . . . and it came.
On the wings of eagles their rescue came . . . perfectly timed, just as waiting hope waned.
They doubted the weak Halfling, discounting that he kept home in his heart, as he closely and courageously kept company with the king.
Many were blind to the battle, thinking there was peace in the land. We cannot, like them, think the worst is behind us—for dragons lie in wait . . .