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I have a tendency to gather lessons from everything. Today I have a lesson that I learned from a book and a movie. This one is from The Hobbit.

At the beginning we are introduced to Bilbo Baggins, the Hobbit, in his cozy little Hobbit hole in the Shire. This is a comfortable place where everything is predictable, dependable, and quiet. One morning a man named Gandalf comes and tells Bilbo that he is looking for someone to go on an adventure. Bilbo replies that he wants nothing to do with adventures. “Uncomfortable things,” he calls them.

But that’s it! Adventures are very uncomfortable. They aren’t predictable, and you must always be on your toes, ready to move. No one likes to be uncomfortable, so we have a tendency to stay in our safe, comfortable Hobbit holes, and have no adventures at all. Bilbo intended to to just that. He wanted no adventures at all.

But he is again given the opportunity for adventure when a band of adventuring Dwarves comes to his home. They offer him a contract for their adventure, stating that while there will be many dangers, perils, discomforts, and the distinct possibility of death, he will get a share of the treasure they find. Bilbo again refuses to have anything to do with adventures. The very idea frightens him. He goes to bed with great unease.

Bilbo awakens in the morning to find his home empty. The Dwarves have gone, and have left him – just like he wanted – in his safe, comfortable house with no adventures.

Except he has one last chance.

The adventurers have left the contract behind for him. They are waiting just a little longer for him to catch up before they go on without him.

Bilbo realizes that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. He can’t just stay in his Hobbit hole for the rest of his life and never do anything! He hurriedly signs the contract and quickly rushes to catch up with the band of adventurers. “I’m going on an adventure!” he shouts excitedly as he runs.

To me, this is a picture of what it is like when Jesus calls you. He gives you ample chance to come on an adventure with Him. He lets you know that there will be dangers, perils, and discomforts. But while the Dwarves’ treasure was unsure, Jesus’ treasure is promised. If you go on an adventure with God, you will find the rewards are great and wonderful! The troubles it takes to get there are painful, but God promises that the treasure is worth it. And do you know what? It is.

Don’t let life pass you by. Take Jesus’ hand, and run! Go on that adventure!