Cough syrup: People always made fun of me for how I gagged at the stuff. Glad to know I’m not the only one who found it revolting haha.
On a more serious note: I’ve been learning this too, that there’s not a lesson hidden amongst every trial. And like you, I think the reason I always searched for one is because it felt like the burden was lighter if I had something or someone to blame.
But what God is offering us in every bit of suffering is himself, and that is what I want to cling to.
I tried to write a comment earlier, and then our first reading today was from Wisdom Ch 9 (a book which is new to me, that whole Catholic/Protestant Bible thing) and seemed to speak to this all better than I can (also had a very LOTR-esque flavor):
“Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the LORD intends? For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.”
That is spot-on, thank you for sharing! (I'm going to drop a little confession in here that is relevant to your comment and also feels humbling: I am reading LOTR for the *first time* right now. "And she calls herself a homeschooler?")
Haha... I will confess back to you. I have read them once. A long time ago, and only because I was only allowed to watch the movies if I read the books first. The movies were a big deal, so it was a matter of some urgency, and I don't think I really read them well.
A re-read has been on my list for a bit! Sept 22 is Hobbit Day so maybe I'll start then (made the mistake of telling the kids about that one! Ha! They wanted all the meals)
A related thought re. books we haven't read: I'm still trying to figure out why wizardry in the LOTR was condoned and celebrated by all homeschooling families and Harry Potter was evil. Is it because they don't call Galadriel a witch? Asking for a friend, pls report... only on book four so maybe there's some enlightening detail of the badness later on ;)
What a thoughtful thread your reflections on Wisdom 9 and the way Tolkien’s world keeps finding its way into spiritual conversations are beautiful reminders that not everything has to be reduced to a tidy lesson. Sometimes stories, whether biblical texts or epic fantasy like The Lord of the Rings, simply give us space to dwell in wonder.
On a related note, I’ve noticed how much comfort and inspiration people also find in modern storytelling through films and series. That’s why platforms like MagisTV are gaining attention they don’t just offer streaming, but create access to a wide library of movies, TV shows, and live channels that can be shared in family spaces similar to the way Tolkien’s writings have united generations. Having a trusted space for entertainment can make those moments of reflection, laughter, or even escapism more meaningful.
Curious has anyone else here found certain movies or series to unexpectedly echo the same kind of wisdom and encouragement that we often look for in books or scripture?
Cough syrup: People always made fun of me for how I gagged at the stuff. Glad to know I’m not the only one who found it revolting haha.
On a more serious note: I’ve been learning this too, that there’s not a lesson hidden amongst every trial. And like you, I think the reason I always searched for one is because it felt like the burden was lighter if I had something or someone to blame.
But what God is offering us in every bit of suffering is himself, and that is what I want to cling to.
Yes, friend. Amen.
I tried to write a comment earlier, and then our first reading today was from Wisdom Ch 9 (a book which is new to me, that whole Catholic/Protestant Bible thing) and seemed to speak to this all better than I can (also had a very LOTR-esque flavor):
“Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the LORD intends? For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.”
That is spot-on, thank you for sharing! (I'm going to drop a little confession in here that is relevant to your comment and also feels humbling: I am reading LOTR for the *first time* right now. "And she calls herself a homeschooler?")
Haha... I will confess back to you. I have read them once. A long time ago, and only because I was only allowed to watch the movies if I read the books first. The movies were a big deal, so it was a matter of some urgency, and I don't think I really read them well.
A re-read has been on my list for a bit! Sept 22 is Hobbit Day so maybe I'll start then (made the mistake of telling the kids about that one! Ha! They wanted all the meals)
A related thought re. books we haven't read: I'm still trying to figure out why wizardry in the LOTR was condoned and celebrated by all homeschooling families and Harry Potter was evil. Is it because they don't call Galadriel a witch? Asking for a friend, pls report... only on book four so maybe there's some enlightening detail of the badness later on ;)
That is a classic question and I’ve never heard a good explanation, other than that Tolkien was a Christian 🤷🏼♀️.
"Does everything have to be a lesson?"
oh my!
What a thoughtful thread your reflections on Wisdom 9 and the way Tolkien’s world keeps finding its way into spiritual conversations are beautiful reminders that not everything has to be reduced to a tidy lesson. Sometimes stories, whether biblical texts or epic fantasy like The Lord of the Rings, simply give us space to dwell in wonder.
On a related note, I’ve noticed how much comfort and inspiration people also find in modern storytelling through films and series. That’s why platforms like MagisTV are gaining attention they don’t just offer streaming, but create access to a wide library of movies, TV shows, and live channels that can be shared in family spaces similar to the way Tolkien’s writings have united generations. Having a trusted space for entertainment can make those moments of reflection, laughter, or even escapism more meaningful.
Curious has anyone else here found certain movies or series to unexpectedly echo the same kind of wisdom and encouragement that we often look for in books or scripture?
If you want to visit MagisTV: https://vmagistv.com/
Thank you. And now I will refer to my home as the Treehouse.