“No!” answered Frodo, coming back to himself out of the darkness, and finding to his surprise that it was not dark, and that out of the window he could see the sunlit garden.” — Tolkin’s Fellowship

Gandalf has just revealed that Frodo has the “one ring to rule them all … and in the darkness bind them.” In fear silence overtakes both of them. And Frodo, though the sun is shining, slips into the darkness.

I am reading Lord of the Rings. Comfort in the midst of the dreary season. When I am came to this line, I thought, that is how I feel. All around me there is still joy and celebration, but I can only see the darkness.

Of course it is good to have a Gandolf. If only for the fireworks! But more than a guide you need someone to walk beside. And through the window, where the sun is shining, Sam is outside working. He is marked as the simpleton. But JR Tolkien did not leave his name as simply “Sam”. He is “Samwise“. I suspect this is on purpose. For in the simplicity there is a deep wisdom. Sam is one that sees beyond the troubles and finds the joy in friendship. In gardening. In a good meal. It is a wisdom that reminds of home, of belonging and love.

As I read on and the dark riders begin to pursue… I am thankful for those in my own life who pull back the curtains and remind me that the sun is shining.