“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
The above feels like the Tolkien quote for our time. “I wish COVID-19 need not have happened in my time” . . . though, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone else either. While a part of me struggles to receive the words of Gandalf, the wisdom he speaks resonates at an even deeper place inside. What is our work to do? Yours? Mine? You in your body, in the place you inhabit, at this particular time… and I in mine. What will I do? Who will I be? Who might I become by doing what I will do in the way I will do it? You and I get to decide what to do with the time that is given.
One of my colleagues recently shared this prayer/poem from Ann M. Garrido’s book, Redeeming Administration. This prayer felt like an honest and helpful dare. It is offered within of the context of the workplace, which seems to dance beautifully with the Wizard’s words. Hear the prayer of Ann Garrido:
Spirit of God, My work will confront me with difficult situations and challenges that I would rather not encounter. Such situations lead me to doubt whether I have what it takes to serve you well in this role. They make me wonder whether someone else might not do a better job. And yet, here I am. Spiral and swirl within me now to rouse the hidden strengths That lie deepest at my core – strengths that come from you But that I rarely remember to stir into flame Arouse perseverance to work through obstacles Arouse renewed determination Arouse boldness in the face of adversity Arouse courage Yes my Lord, arouse courage. Amen.
Peace, dwight
