Courage and Wisdom Blended in Measure
Yesterday as part of my study of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, I wrote about Bilbo Baggins becoming recognized as a leader in From Timid to Trusted: Humble Leadership. Toward the end of the book Gandalf told Bilbo, “You are not the hobbit that you were” (The Hobbit, p. 338). I loved this! It is such a great reminder from Tolkien that we are not the same person as we were before completing our most recent quest. For more about quests, read Quest or Adventure. We are ever changing, learning, and growing. Take a moment and reflect about the ways you are a different person today than five years ago.
Thorin told Bilbo, “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure” (The Hobbit, p. 325) This also eludes to growth and change in Bilbo. Thorin believed that Bilbo’s true potential was greater than he understood, and he wanted to inspire confidence in him to face the challenges ahead. This moment underscores themes of self-discovery and recognizing one’s own worth.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
~ Thorin, The Hobbit, p. 326
When Thorin said, “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure,” he meant that Bilbo possessed the inner qualities of goodness, bravery, and intelligence.
Additionally, Thorin pointed out that Bilbo may not fully realize his own development. The phrase “blended in measure” suggested an harmonious combination of the qualities of courage and wisdom, balanced well within Bilbo. Thorin was acknowledging that Bilbo had the potential to be brave and wise in equal parts, and that those qualities are combined skillfully within him. It’s a heartfelt encouragement, emphasizing the inner strength and potential that Bilbo carries.
Forever Young
Yesterday I got to spend some quality time in one of my favorite places: a tractor cab. As I was working I was listening to 107.9 the MIX: The 80s to Now, on the cab stereo. I love this station because it takes me back to the great rock music of my college days in the early 80s. What memories!
A blast from the past song by Rod Stewart came on yesterday that I had not heard or thought about for a long time: Forever Young. I got to see him perform in Market Square Arena in 1982. As an older rock and roller, now, I pay more attention to the lyrics. Yesterday, I was struck by the lyrics and had to look them up and study them – pretty profound! Here they are:
May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
surround you when you’re far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you’d have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you’ll always stay
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever YoungMay good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
with a prince or a vagabondAnd may you never love in vain
and in my heart you will remain
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young
Forever YoungAnd when you finally fly away
I’ll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tellBut whatever road you choose
I’m right behind you, win or lose
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young ,Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
For, Forever Young, Forever Young ~ writers: Jim Cragan, Robert Dylan, Kevin Stuart, James Savigar, & Rod Stewart
Here is the official YouTube video:
There is a lot there and the lyrics are pretty deep. You agree? I am not going to attempt to digest it all in this post; you can do that for yourself in your own cox test.
For me, I think it struck a chord (pun intended) because on Friday I had a friend say to me, “Your just a big kid.” Guilty as charged! And proud of it! I don’t ever want to grow up, but I would like to think that I am putting the wisdom of a very blessed life full of lots of great experiences to a purposeful use. As the song says, however, “One can never tell.” Just like all humans, I’ve fallen short at times in the things the song talks about, but in the end I hope those I have served will say I’ve been right beside or behind them, win or lose. And…that I am a big kid that has stayed forever young.
Byron's Babbles 
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