Lessons from Frodo
“You cannot always be torn in two. You will have to be one and whole, for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be, and to do.”
Lord of the Rings fans may recognize this quote. These are the words of Frodo to Sam, as he is preparing to leave Middle Earth forever. But Sam can’t follow him anymore.
Today, I feel very much like Sam. No, no one is leaving me forever. It’s only a year, but a year is a long time. Yesterday, I said goodbye to my best friend of about 10 years. Even as I write this, she and another one of my dearest friends are beginning their travels to China, where they will be teaching English for one year. If you know me well, you know two thing about me: 1) Erin and I are extremely close; and 2) China holds a very special place in my heart.
About two years ago, I also went to China for a short time to teach English. I can say with confidence that a day hasn’t gone by when I haven’t missed being in China. And now two of my dearest friends will be living there. Rest assured, I will be reading every single one of their emails, newsletters, and blog posts.
But I have to remind myself of something: I am not there. I am here. It’s difficult not to yearn for things that simply can’t happen in my life right now. I have to guard my heart from sinking into the “I’m stuck here in little old Rhode Island, while they’re off doing heroic things in China” mentality.
No. There is a reason I am here, and not there with them. And the words of Frodo ring true for me today: “You cannot always be torn in two. You will have to be one and whole, for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be, and to do.” I am so blessed. I have a loving husband, a wonderful family, a comfortable home, and an adventure every time I walk out my door. There is so much for me to enjoy and to be, and to do. Right here, right now.
So, my dear friends, I am praying for safe travels on your journey. I miss you both already. Enjoy life in the coming year. I know I will.
Lord of the Rings fans may recognize this quote. These are the words of Frodo to Sam, as he is preparing to leave Middle Earth forever. But Sam can’t follow him anymore.
Today, I feel very much like Sam. No, no one is leaving me forever. It’s only a year, but a year is a long time. Yesterday, I said goodbye to my best friend of about 10 years. Even as I write this, she and another one of my dearest friends are beginning their travels to China, where they will be teaching English for one year. If you know me well, you know two thing about me: 1) Erin and I are extremely close; and 2) China holds a very special place in my heart.
About two years ago, I also went to China for a short time to teach English. I can say with confidence that a day hasn’t gone by when I haven’t missed being in China. And now two of my dearest friends will be living there. Rest assured, I will be reading every single one of their emails, newsletters, and blog posts.
But I have to remind myself of something: I am not there. I am here. It’s difficult not to yearn for things that simply can’t happen in my life right now. I have to guard my heart from sinking into the “I’m stuck here in little old Rhode Island, while they’re off doing heroic things in China” mentality.
No. There is a reason I am here, and not there with them. And the words of Frodo ring true for me today: “You cannot always be torn in two. You will have to be one and whole, for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be, and to do.” I am so blessed. I have a loving husband, a wonderful family, a comfortable home, and an adventure every time I walk out my door. There is so much for me to enjoy and to be, and to do. Right here, right now.
So, my dear friends, I am praying for safe travels on your journey. I miss you both already. Enjoy life in the coming year. I know I will.
Thanks so much for posting this, Jane! I actually really needed to be reminded of this today-your timing is absolutely perfect. Praying for you as well as you enjoy, be, and do. :)
ReplyDeleteThat was such a great post, Jane! I miss living with you, being able to hear such profound things from you! You are wiser than you give yourself credit for (because you are so humble!) and I love you so much! I, too, needed to hear that advice from Frodo, and I thank you for sharing it with me! :)
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