Once again, our current family read-aloud, The Lord of the Rings, has been a source of inspiration for the difficulties we are facing as a family. The words poured over me like fresh summer rain on tired, weary crops as soon as I read them, as do many of the symbolic topics discussed in Tolkien’s writings.

Oftentimes I find myself asking the same question that Frodo inquires of Gildor, “But where shall I find courage?” Some days, like Frodo at the threshold of his journey, I find myself hesitating, even procrastinating, those first initial steps. Other times, when the Black Rider bears upon me with the fear that trials or the infamous unknown tend to produce, I feel frozen in the shadows of doubt, wondering if I ever really had what was needed to walk this tiresome journey in the first place.

There is a common theme among all great novels when there is a treacherous journey that must be undertaken. Amidst the intensifying problems being encountered, the thickening plot usually allows for breaks, or times of rest where the character or characters on the journey must locate a safe place to take shelter. It is in these consecrated fragments of the expedition that the seeds of courage are nourished just as the body is by food and sleep. In the light of the licking, evening fire past decisions are reflected, future uncertainties are pondered, and the question usually manifests to the forefront of the mind, “Should I try to turn back?” Many of us have probably examined our situations and asked ourselves the same daunting question. Yet, no matter how meticulously we dissect the choices that led us down the pending path we are on, as Gandalf says, “Such questions cannot be answered…you have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.”

Turning back is rarely, if ever, the answer. If like me, you are facing a mountain of problems and weary from the dark host pursing you at every turn, remember the words a great wizard once spoke, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

Courage, I have found, is acquired bit by bit, step by step. Each seemingly insignificant, small step taken, adding to the reservoir of courage that will one day be needed in great abundance. I never could have imagined ten years ago the dark valleys I would be called to walk through, but herein lies a glimmer of hope in God’s master plan. The cartographer who has mapped out the way for us long ago. We need only face the difficulties as they come to us in the here and now. We need only take each ominous valley or towering mountain, dark forest or bright meadow, gentle stream or stormy sea voyage one mile at a time.

Henceforth we will gain not only experience as we progress, but also the courage to face what still lies ahead unseen. It will grow with us as we grow, so much so that we will no longer need to ask, “Where shall I find courage?” For it will be with us there already, waiting to be drawn and wielded.

Ready for life’s battles.