The stage had been set, in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth fantasy “The fellowship of the ring”, as the shire prepared to celebrate Bilbo’s 111th birthday. The old Hobbit had led an extraordinary life full of travel filled adventures. The celebration was already in full swing with plenty of comfort food, Shire ale and Old Toby to fill the bowls of skillfully craved Meerschaum pipes. It was a marvelous affair filled with wonder, fond friendships and little time to worry about past regrets.
The old hobbit had not really enjoyed the limelight and fame that accompanied his legendary travels. It was now time to rethink his new life in the Shire, slow down a bit and explore retirement. Unfortunately, he didn’t care for his estranged relatives and many of his neighbors were constantly bothering him for a little of this or a whole lot of that which had been carefully stowed away in his pantry.
Bilbo thought how closely his new life resembled the miniature wooden schooner that had been meticulously assembled in an empty rum bottle that was currently collecting dust on his living room table. It was at that moment that the thought of putting on the ring for his exit surfaced.
As the hobbit made his way to the stage, to deliver his farewell speech, his mind began to wander and his fingers grasp the golden ring at the bottom of his vest pocket. The crowd quieted as everyone had stopped eating and drinking to listen to their neighbor and friend. After insulting most of his audience and a long dramatic pause Bilbo simply said “This is the end”, slipped on the ring and disappeared from everyone’s sight.
Although I don’t have a magic ring to slip on and for the most part only about 1 percent of my neighbors really annoy me, discovering a fresh start should be an easy task. So what will I do with my new found freedom? I have decided on completing some additional writing under the pen name of Daniel Thomas.
My new adventures will consist mainly of writing historical fiction, taking place in the second and first centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ. However, in contrast to the hobbit’s drafty, dimly lit den, my corner office is well lighted, full of maps of Israel, sketches of the Jewish Tabernacle and Temples. My first attempt is already off the drafting table and in print under the title of “The Well with the Holy Name”.
As the New Year screeches towards us maybe you too have decided to slip on a magic ring and disappear into a fresh start? The end of year is always a good time to take stock, examine yourself then makes those changes that will help you grow spiritually. In his youth, King David was living a life that was pleasing to the Lord. At that time he wrote a song boasting of a zealous life that he was living out. Psalm 29 NKJV.
“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. For Your loving-kindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, nor will I go in with hypocrites.
I have hated the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.
Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. Do not gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
In whose hands is a sinister scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; redeem me and be merciful to me.
My foot stands in an even place; in the congregations I will bless the Lord.”
It has been said that Pride comes before the fall and in just a few short years David would fall from God’s grace as the privileges of being king takes him down the wrong road. It is only after an adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, her husband’s murder and death of a son that David begs for God’s mercy to cover his mistakes and restore his salvation.
We have all made mistakes and we will continue to make them; that is why we desperately need Jesus Christ. Adventure awaits, as God’s plans to prosper and guide us are revealed; only then can we can sit down to write the final chapters of our story.
