J.R.R. Tolkien’s Gift of Struggle
“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. ”
I appreciated reading J.R.R. Tolkien: A Life Inspired. As I read about his childhood, I was taken by how his significant early struggles shaped the blessed, creative, and faithful man he became. Tolkien’s father died in South Africa while he was visiting family in England. If he had remained in South Africa, he probably wouldn’t have had the same opportunities to learn and grow in the unique linguistic ways necessary to create his special literature.
When Tolkien returned to England, his mother converted to Catholicism and was cut off financially from the family who were helping her and her two sons. Tolkien had to work harder to secure a scholarship and return to the elite school his family could no longer afford. Through hard work and his mother’s homeschooling, his instructors recognized his ability and potential.
At age twelve, his dear mother became ill, and about ten months later, she died. He and his brother, Hilary, were now homeless. Yet, his mother’s Catholicism provided a dear relationship with a local Priest, who took responsibility for the boys, giving them opportunities and care that would forge his faith and outlook on the world. Many of these life experiences provided nuances that would find their way into his writings. Even a little thing like Gandolf’s pipe smoking came from Father Francis’ pipe smoke while on vacation with the boys.
Every one of us has stories of struggle that could have either torn us down or lifted us up. God’s Spirit empowered Tolkien to get up and start again. God also provided Tolkien with opportunities along the way that allowed him to fulfill his literary career. Today, take some time to consider your struggles. How did your struggles mold you into the person God called you to be in this world? How did your struggles guide and enhance your ability to fulfill your divine calling? Remember, you are a strong person, because your struggles didn’t destroy you. You are an intelligent, thoughtful, and caring person of faith, not despite your unique struggles, but in part, because of them. Recognizing your challenges and intentionally remembering them helps you recognize God’s hand in your life, yesterday, today, and forevermore.
