valor without renown

The marathon was amazing and fulfilling.  What an experience.  It was our fifth year, and it hasn't gotten old yet. 

One of my favorite moments (one of about nine hundred...) is when Eowyn is complaining to Aragorn that she is not going to get to go to battle with the men, and that she must stay with the women and children.  She asks "what renown is there in that?" 

Aragorn's response is one of the greatest lines in all of literary and cinematic creative expression.  He says "My Lady, there may come a time for valor without renown. Who then will your people look to in the last defense?"

One of the qualities that I admire the most in people is the desire to serve without recognition.  I love it when someone will do the work that needs to be done even before they are given the title or the charge to do it, or especially if they know they will never be recognized for it.  That is character.  That is noble. 

I pray to be always willing and ready to serve the people God has put in my path without pausing to think if I will be recognized for it.  I pray that God will continue to refine me and burn away any part of my heart that desires personal fame and recognition, especially because I know it is there.  I pray for the strength to do what God has put in my path without questioning or whining, but with an awareness of the what a privilege it is to do anything for God. 

May you grasp every opportunity to show valor without renown in your life...