nice, crispy bacon...

Tomorrow is the big day.  Every year, we gather with some of our closest friends and spend eleven hours and seventeen minutes doing something that provides me with so much joy, it really should only be done in heaven.  It's our annual Lord Of The Rings Marathon. 

That's right.  We watch all three parts of the trilogy, extended versions, of course.  I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but I believe that LOTR is the greatest cinematic achievement of all time.  These films have so many spiritual applications for my life, and they have helped me through some very difficult times. 

Traci has been cooking up a storm all day in preparation.  She makes her Cheesy Ham Chowder and her Tortilla Soup to take to the party, plus all the holiday cookies she and the kids have made.  It promises to be a great experience. 

Of course, this year, right in the middle of the day, Jonathan is testing for his green/black belt, so he and I will have to leave after the first film, and miss part of the beginning of the second film.  At least, I will be with a deadly, fighting machine, so I won't worry too much about my safety. 

In anticipation of tomorrow, I thought I would make an LOTR analogy.   The year is ending up great.  So many victories have been won, so many demons fought and overcome.  We are not where we need to be by a long shot, but we are making incredible progress.  I feel it both in my personal life as well as in the Turning Point. 

I like to think that I feel like Gandalf did when he faced the balrog on the bridge of Khazad-dum.  Insurmountable odds, everything hanging in the balance, but having the inner strength of character and intensity to demand "You shall not pass!"  

The relief must have been intense when he saw the balrog falling into the abyss. 

I have felt that relief.  So many victories, so many impossible dreams that came true this year.  I have loved watching several of my friends make the decision to follow Jesus, or even more difficult, to come back to him after they have wandered away.  I have loved watching my heart and the heart of our entire ministry transform as we found an outlet for our love, compassion and generosity in El Salvador. I have loved watching my family grow closer together as we set out on the adventure of home schooling. 

However, I also know that even though the balrog may be falling, he still has a long whip, and he can get me in the end if I'm not careful.  Gandalf breathed a sigh of relief and began to turn away.  That's when the whip got him.  The balrog could get me very easily if I'm not careful.  He tried already this week.  Disturbing conversations, good hearted people who buy the lie instead of holding on to the truth out of hopelessness and desperation.  It is hard to watch, but I know that the battle is going to keep raging, and it will not be over until we are finally at home with God.  I just have to be careful that I don't fall off the bridge myself in the heat of the moment.  

OK, maybe the analogy was a stretch, but I liked it.  It's getting me excited about tomorrow, regardless. 

May you enjoy your holiday season as much as I am enjoying mine.  And may you have a faithful friend to be with you through the darkest times.  Remember, even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Comments

[C]

have a great marathon Jay...I am going to Disney on Ice with the girls. I am going to be looking for deep spiritual meaning in the characters of Minnie and Pluto.

[slowbos]

thanks a lot dear, im very interesting for your article. im very impresing for this :)

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