Conclusion

The Lord of the Rings film trilogy has brought J. R. R. Tolkien's wonderful story to life. In it, Frodo, a hobbit, is joined by three fellow hobbits from the Shire, their home, to destroy a ring of power. Several key people from diverse backgrounds join them on their quest to destroy the ring. Throughout the entire journey, Frodo and his companions face numerous obstacles, but Frodo stays focused on the reality that he has been given the responsibility of destroying the ring. In a sense, this is his calling. But, it's easy to lose why he has accepted this call. Though at times he wants to rid himself of the call, he maintains focus on his motivation: to protect the Shire. As Frodo and Sam, his closest companion, near the end of their quest in Mordor to destroy the ring, they reflect on their duty to destroy the ring in order to preserve the Shire, even if it means they must give their lives.

So many of the values expressed in this powerful story parallel what we're all called to in terms of service at Lee University. Frodo felt insignificant and unqualified. He wanted to quit. However, he accepted the call and chose to serve in spite of all of the reasons not to. Your challenge is the same. Perhaps you feel that what you have to offer is insignificant. Maybe you'd like to quit or not even really get started! But, we all must accept the call to use what we've been given to serve others.

So, let's get started. Take the risk and reach out. Start small. Grow from there. In the words of Mother Teresa, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."

(Article written by Mike Hayes, Ed.D. - Director of Student Development and Director of the Leonard Center / Assistant Vice President of Student Life)