A week with Frodo

I have been taken to task by a girl in my Bible study for not blogging enough. "I want to know what you're thinking!" she cutely scolded. That and my own inner scolding, plus a week of being sick with the accompanying slow-down and unconscious mental sifting to reveal what's really important, was enough to move me to click the "new post" button just now.

The hardest part is always starting, for me anyway, and the longer I put something off, the more monumental it grows, and the more profound that back-in-the-saddle piece has to be, says the Perfectionist inside.

Thus, I am going to turn the Perfectionist on her head by starting out with some simple observations from my week...on the couch. I was sick all week, as those I've complained to know, with a mysterious sore throat that did not develop into other symptoms, nor would it go away. The doctor said "virus" and "they usually last 5-7 days" which means that the virus germies are either getting stronger and aim to take over the world, or I've just been very lucky for the last 34 years. I've never worked so hard to kill the germs with such slow progress. So, my friends, watch your back.

Of course, one friend had a very bizarre explanation for my symptoms, right Jo?, but I won't weary you married people with that one, as I'm sure you've heard it before.

Now that I've finished (maybe) venting about my sickness, I'll tell you what the couch and I did all week. We watched all three Lord of the Rings movies of course. How I love them! And it was a treat to watch movies during the day. These observations stuck me upon this viewing.

Perseverance. That was how evil was defeated by far-outnumbered and out-sized (as in Frodo's case) good. Perseverance, and a hope that certainly defied reality.

Those who least wanted the power (Aragorn) and responsibility (Frodo) that were fated them, were most fit for the tasks before them. Humility is certainly the precursor for true leadership.

I could not get over how those on the "good side" with the power to force their will--wizard, elf, king-to-be--still allowed men, esp kings, to make their own decisions, and worked within their decisions to bring about victory.

Gandalf uses strong language with his enemies but especially with his friends. "Better is he who rebukes than he who flatters with the tongue..."

Thank God for stories so rich in colorful lessons for the "race of men."