Journey

Bilbo sings:
The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

The thought of my word of the year, journey, has been on my mind the last few days. Sometimes when I quilt I marathon watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy – the extended dvds of course. There is something about the journey of this story that draws me in and keeps me going back for more.
Today what spoke to my heart was how the companions on the journey change and grow over time. Boromir seems something of an ass at first, selfish and greedy, and in one heroic, selfless act reveals his true character. He expresses remorse. The first time I saw him lay down his life for Frodo and Sam I cried. The tears streaming down my face in a dark theater, grateful no one could see me.
Sam seems so faithful and kind. He has a moment with Gollum that its rather startling when it happens. This kind, gentle, faithful soul gets really irritated and downright mean to someone as he sees as a threat and indeed is a threat for we see his judgement bears out in the end. Sam’s timing is just off.
Each member of the fellowship has something to contribute including their faults. It is these faults that make them real.

I’ve had an experience this week that brought me to tears. In such a good way. It’s actually what brought me here, to this moment, pondering my own journey. This and another conversation have brought a great deal of peace in ways that I was not expecting. God writes straight with crooked lines. At some moment the path will become clear and I’ll be able to see where I’m going. And to some degree I can see how some things will add depth to my quilting work.

Happy Lent!

Teri