Selling Bag End

I read The Lord of the Rings for the first time last year, and have also enjoyed journeyings in Middle Earth by film recently. The epic tale is not a classic without reason -- it is a timeless story, full of timeless truth for whoever will draw it out.

Naturally, I identify with Frodo, the humble hobbit. Just as he comes of age in his obscure corner of the Shire, he is chosen to bear a burden to save his world from certain destruction, and for all he knows, it will cost his life. He throws himself into the quest, selling his beloved home, Bag End, and willingly facing the frightful unknown.

So what does Frodo's story have to do with me? A burden has come to me as well, one I did not ask for. The eternal destiny of souls rests in my hands, and if I accept the task, I cannot expect to return to my familiar little life. I must sell my Bag End, leave my Shire, and take the path marked out for me, one step at a time. Like Frodo, I am a small and very unlikely person with no clue what to do, but I am willing to step forward and take the burden. The far-off goal is all I know, and every step between will require courage I don't know if I have. But I have faithful Help and Hope that will not disappoint. (Romans 5:5) I don't know what lies ahead, and I can't say I'm not afraid. But I can dive in anyway, because I do know the end of the Story!

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with weary feet,

Until it joins some larger way,

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

~J. R. R. Tolkien