“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
―J.R.R. Tolkien,The Fellowship of the Ring
Perhaps like Frodo, we have had the thoughts or feelings, “I wish I had not been born in these times.” Life is a bit confusing at this juncture, so much discord, differing opinions, despair, darkness in the world.
Early this morning as I rested in bed, pondering getting up, I was praying, “Lord, what role would you have me play for your kingdom during these times? How do you want me to serve you?”
I thought about this quote from Lord of the Rings. Gandalf reminded,“it is not for us to decide when we will be born but we must decide what to do with the time we have been given.” As I reflected, I was reminded again, that my purpose at this season in history is to trust Him, to hold fast to my faith, to choose in every way that I am able, to bring light to those I encounter, to write encouragement, to give hope, to choose loving generously in as many relationships as I am able, to forgive generously as I want to be forgiven, to cultivate a deeper love for God and His truth. I am called to hold up joy which means to rejoice in God, to worship Him in every situation and every day.
And as our children watch us making such choices, they will be drawn to do the same in their life time. Planting seeds of righteousness means reaping a harvest of righteousness. What we do during these times determines the history we will leave.
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This week found me on a journey to another land. The temperature turned cold, and as usual, we were walking to our destinations, so I took joy in purchasing the cutest hat I could find to keep me warm in these long, chilly ambles. Do you like it? It is a small token of me choosing to celebrate life as a commitment and it has brought me a smile to my heart.
Can you guess where I am? I will reveal it tomorrow. May God bring peace to your heart today.