4 Truths from Tolkien That Remain Relevant Today

Photo by Madalyn Cox on Unsplash

There have been many great writers throughout history; however, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is the one I hold very dear. Not only is he famous, and many people consider him a genius for inventing an entire fantasy world and its languages, but his writings also carry a deeper meaning. In his stories, we find truths that support his Catholic beliefs and traditional ideals, which have disappeared from modern-day narratives. His writings reflect the enduring theme that good is always stronger than evil, and light overcomes all shadows in the world. He seamlessly combines a sometimes harsh reality with a prevailing sense of hope. Here, I have selected four quotations from his writings that hold great significance for me and can inspire you, too.

"It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life."

As a young girl, I grew up thinking I had to achieve great things to measure up and be enough. I believed that only success and a career would make my life meaningful and bring contentment. Now that I have a career and consider myself quite successful, I've come to realize that while these achievements are great, they are not essential for my happiness. It is the present moment, the simple details of everyday life, that can help us slow down in this busy world. We often reach for the stars while forgetting the flowers we pass in the park every day, the smile of a stranger, random encounters, or quality time spent with loved ones. Seeing the beauty in every sunset, observing people's faces when you pay them random compliments, and never forgetting the smell of a freshly baked apple pie in your grandma's kitchen—all these simple moments are worthy of celebration.

"Not all those who wander are lost."

Have you ever felt lost in life, without direction? Many young people experience this feeling. We strive to achieve our dreams, study hard, and work hard, only to find that we don't know our next step. Maybe it's natural, but here's the good news: feeling lost doesn't necessarily mean we are lost. Especially if we have trust in God and allow ourselves to be led by His Holy Spirit. It's easier said than done, but every time you feel unsure of where you're going, invite the Holy Spirit into that situation, and He will guide you. You are never lost with Him. We might not know exactly where He's leading us, but I am sure it will be worth it.

"So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending."

I love snow. I remember waking up one winter morning and running to the window to see that it was snowing. I felt at peace; it was so beautiful. This quotation reminds me of that memory and reinforces the idea that there is always peace after hardship. Life can throw many challenges at us, and Jesus never promised an easy life. But He promised to stay with us until the end. We can be encouraged by the truth that everything passes away—whether in this life or another. Every storm, every problem—big or small—comes to an end. Our dragons may take different forms: financial struggles, loneliness, unemployment, infertility, anxiety, or depression. Yet we can be at peace knowing that God has everything under control. God loves us when we trust Him. We only need to persevere and keep trusting that He is on our side, and with Him, all things are possible; all dragons can be slain.

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

Time is precious. Sometimes, I think that when I am older and look back on my life, I want to smile and say that all is good. I'm not talking about making the right decisions at the right time, building a career, or travelling the world while young. I want to talk about how we spend our time. When I am old, I don't want to remember how many followers I had on social media, but how many precious people helped me grow. I want to remember every hug, every prayer, and love received and given away. I want to ensure that I fill my life with good and precious moments so that the memories make my heart leap with joy when my hair turns grey. Our life is built on simple moments. Do we realize it?

I genuinely believe that these simple truths will encourage you in your everyday journey towards sainthood. Just as the words of one humble writer can inspire many young people today, let us be the ones to encourage and inspire those around us.