EMPOWERING PEOPLE

As a little boy, I always loved new things. I loved the idea of adventure, seeing all that was in the world and what I could be in it. The fact is I was just an average boy, nothing exceptional—ordinary in athletics, barely passing high school. But that never stopped me from dreaming. It never stopped me from trying new things. What still lives in my heart to this day is that I want to make a difference—to make an impact with who I am and who God made me to be. We all desire these things.

The Hobbit is one of my favorite stories. A fantastic scene between Gandalf and Bilbo shows this desire for more:

Gandalf tells Bilbo that he is looking for someone to share an adventure. Bilbo quickly responds that he is not interested in any “adventure” and cannot imagine anyone west of Bree (a town nearby) would be interested in any adventure.

Gandalf, however, is persistent and says a curious thing to Biblo. He speaks a name associated with his genealogy. This statement gets Bilbo’s attention, and he asks Gandalf curiously, “Do I know you?”

Gandalf replies, “Yes, you do, you know my name even though you do not remember. I am Gandalf and Gandalf means Me.”

Bilbo indeed goes on this great adventure. He just needed a little nudge to leave the comfort of the Shire and discover what was meant for him.

This beautiful metaphor reminds me that the Lord was involved with stories and tales of old, but He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He has an adventure in store for you. Adventures are relative, but you know when you are on one.

Let me help you, your team to step into all the Lord has for you.