The Parable of the Hobbit

If Jesus and his disciples had read the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, perhaps he would have said unto them:

The kingdom of heaven is like an unexpected journey, undertaken by a hobbit who until then had built a comfortable, controllable life for himself among his people, earning his respect from them through his willingness to live a quiet, peaceful, and undisturbing life without any suprises. It appeared that life was perfect; Hobbiton was a beautiful place, he never was asked to to do anything out of the ordinary, and he never lacked anything, or so he thought.

Such a life would have continued to his death if he had not been suddenly called to venture forth and perform great and purposeful deeds, though not in his own strength or initiative, for he had none. Upon returning from his journey, he found that he could no longer go back to life as he had known it, for in his travels he had discovered the true nature of the world in which he lived, and he now understood the responsibilities to which a broader knowledge of the world obligated him, but also enjoyed the priviledges that such experience afforded him, and while most every other hobbit in Hobbiton died and was laid to rest there in the ground, this hobbit was instead given the special honor of passage from the grey havens to the lands beyond.

So, if God calls you to go on an unexpected journey, do not hesitate. Ditch the American dream and report for duty as soon as possible. The rewards of obedience are eternal, and the Holy Spirit is dependable, at all times, for all things. Where the Lord has called you, he will not leave you, or forsake you.