The will to (not) do

My wife and I have sort of been watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy - extended version of course - recently, and last night something sort of hit home. How often do we do something that is wrong to try and accomplish something that is right? A little white lie won't hurt anyone. Maybe speeding to get to work on time. In the movie the Ring is the temptation all of the charecters in the movie must recon with. Several charecters (Gandalph, Aaragorn, Galadriel, and Faramir come to mind) all have the ring within their reach. But they know that if they compromise disaster would await them, and all that they truly hold dear. Others find the temptation too great and are ruined by it. Boramir betrays the trust Frodo has in him. The steward of Gondor goes made because of his dealings with Sauron and his desire to bring "the weapon of the enemy" to Gondor for his "personal safe keeping". And what about Golum. His entire person is so thoroughly corrupted by it that when he falls into the lava his last thoughts are not of his own passing, but a vain attempt to save the Ring. And what about the sturdiest of caretakers of the Ring, Bilbo and Frodo. Dispite their ability to resist the temptations of the Rind they are still slowly corrputed by it. Bilbo can't help himself struggles mightly to leave it behind for Frodo, and when the two are reunited it is ever on his mind to ask about it - to "see it one more time". And poor Frodo who we witness throught the entire movie struggle with his burden - which in the ends actually wins and dominates his spirit. If not for Golum Frodo would not have been the hero he became. And yet "it was meant to be" for the two to carry the ring for so long so that the Ring could ultimately be destroyed. And that was a cheerful thought. I guess what is remarkable to me is how often I will make an ever so slight compromise. Maybe not tell the whole truth about something to elicit a favorable response in some way. Or maybe slide through a stop sign. Whatever it may be. How often do I hold onto something that the Lord might be gently trying to release from my grasp - to free me - but I can't bear to be apart from 'it'? More often than I really care to think about. Some are called to carry such burdens, but never forever. God has told us that we can release them to Him, and He will releave our distress. His burdens are light and His worries are few. He will never tempt us beyond what we are able to bear - but we need to trust in Him to bear them successfully. Rely upon His provision of grace and strenght. Do not allow yourself to listen to the enemies lies - "did god really say" and "it will not _____" are two of his favorites. Well, that is my thoughts for today. :) Hope I've not confused you all too much with my ramblings. Verse for today: Matthew 11:25-30 esv At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”