The Green Dragon

Tired; Refreshed. Drained; Energized. Sad for the end; Looking forward to the beginning. Discontent in the current; Longing for something more. Happy in the midst of ignorance shared among those around them; Remorse that many will never experience the adventure for themselves.

The countless emotions set in juxtaposition and shared among the Hobbits as they delight in a round of pints at the Green Dragon during the final scenes of The Lord of the Rings. To the reader [viewer], an evidently clear chasm of two realities is broad and deep. To the town folk lost in their gaiety, there’s nothing more that exists than the current life that consumes them – they’ve never known anything different, anything more. To us, the onlooker, we pity them.

There was a danger; there was a threat. These people needed saving. A saving from the danger of evil without and the danger of contentment within. But, perhaps, even the contentment was too an evil. For in their contentment, the people of Hobbiton incubated mundanity. This complacency was sure to grow and when it was to reach full-grown, it would give birth to death. Death of themselves and to those around them. In the midst of their richness and joy, Hobbiton was poor, blind and naked not realizing that sure death was lurking at their door. Their lack of care for the “world of man” and inaction to engage gave way for a disease to spread and cover the face of Middle Earth. Hobbiton’s oncoming death was not a product of their selfishness, but that of their satisfaction.

But, our four adventurers knew something different for they had been exposed. Our quartet found something more and were now foreigners to what was once so familiar and so commonly accepted. In an arena dripping with complacency, their hearts grew restless. Yes, they most definitely had been exposed…and there was no going back. They couldn’t ignore their experiences. These four warriors couldn’t forget what they had learned. There was no way to suppress what was felt in their hearts. In the presence of so much joy around them, their hearts grew sick in another way – a better way. These four Hobbits could not go back no matter how much they desired.

Something else rather strange happened. These four Hobbits found another thing new to them – something that they had never known before, at least not in the same way.  This new thing was far more precious than any ring.  This fellowship found a friendship. But, not just any friendship. A friendship only known to those who have fought in battle side by side with arms locked. It was a bond that could only be formed in merciless trials and hardened in a kind of experience and valor uncommon to most men. Not only could this friendship not be severed, but, because of this friendship, these four Hobbits were understood. At least, understood by each other. What was strange to others around them – what may have seemed peculiar or even awkward – was common to these four Hobbits. That which they understood, they understood to be simply natural. Anything else was a glorious deceit.

This blog is one of stories. Stories where, like that faithful Hobbit fellowship, we’ve seen more; we’ve experienced more…we know more. More than the common exists; and, it exists to the glory of God. In His grace and mercy, God has allowed Jeannine and I to witness something different – something better. There is another world than that with which most of us are familiar. And so many live their lives unaware. This blog is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and an outlet for sharing our experiences.

Join us in leaving the common, leaving the known. Join us in Leaving Hobbiton as we seek out the faithfulness, the mercy, the goodness, and the grace of God. To there and back again, we’ll live to tell about it and we’ll share in the richness of our Savior.