Hala Bacmańska by Jerzy Opioła
Good morning, beloved,
We have started, as a family, to read Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. To aid us in our discussion, I purchased a guide by Christian Novel Studies. We have kids who long to see the movies (they’ve seen 2) and I finally decided, it was time for me to read these books. I have tried several times to read these books without success. Yet, this time watching my kids react, listening with new ears, responding…I’m not sure who is more excited about these books! I feel as though I’ve met a new friend. I cannot race through the difficult sections as I am apt to do with books that I read. I want to jump up and down like a certain child of ours is apt to do. I want to yell. I want to counsel.
The guide has given us many paths to discuss, to help us link the word of God with our reading. One thing, so far, that grips me is the hobbits’ love of the Shire. Their home. As Frodo packs, as he begins to walk away, he continues to look back with longing. He notices little beauties that makes his heart clench with sadness.
He longs for home, and yet he knows he must press on.
I find myself watching my children as they discuss things with me or have conversations with one another and I want to stop time. I want to remember everything. Then in the next moment my longing is replaced with frustration at their bickering, lack of attention to the direction I have given them. Then, at the end of the day, as I look back on my day, my heart clenches. Why do I give in to the desires of my flesh? Why do I allow myself to rise up? Why, in the moment, can’t I remember the verses and the truth that: 13 The only ·temptation [or trials] that has come to you is ·that which everyone has [L (common to) human life]. But ·you can trust God [God is faithful], who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to ·stand [endure] it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 EXB
I’m missing something.
Oh, to see my name written in the wounds for through your suffering i am free, death is crushed to death life is mine to live won through your selfless love
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I think what I am missing is the hand that holds me even when I am ranting and raving has my name graven in His hand. As I thrash and whine, my God holds my hand close. Oh my.
21 When my heart was ·sad [bitter]
and ·I was angry [L my innards felt stabbed],
22 I was senseless and stupid.
I acted like an ·animal [brute beast] toward you.
23 But I am always with you [C in covenant relationship];
you have held my ·hand [L right hand; C guiding him].
24 You guide me with your advice,
and later you will receive me in ·honor [glory; C perhaps in the afterlife].
25 ·I have no one [L Whom do I have…?] in heaven but you;
I ·want [desire] nothing on earth besides you.
26 My body and my ·mind [heart] may become weak,
but God is ·my strength [L the rock of my heart].
He is ·mine [L my portion] forever. Psalm 73 EXB
It’s time for me to start my day. I start with the knowledge that He holds my hand. He is the power. He is the hope that I can, through His strength, not fall prey to the flesh. You can too. It requires this.
Your hand. My hand. Holding tight.
My thankfuls:
94. Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
95. God’s hand holding mine today.
96. Electric heaters that warm a cold room.
Pray on. Pray on.
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