Here am I

“If you are not there, you cannot do it.”

The perilous journey begins. (Source: Britannica)

Here’s one for the J. R. R. Tolkien readers…

When the Fellowship of the Ring is formed in Rivendell, the primary qualification met by each joining member is a rather unexpected one: they are simply present in Rivendell.

Gimli is not the greatest among the Dwarves.

Legolas is not the greatest among the Elves.

Boromir is not the greatest among the men, nor are Pippin, Merry, and Sam the greatest among the Hobbits.

They are all in Rivendell for different reasons, but they are all there – and when the need for a fellowship arises, they join in on the perilous journey.

These specific characters make up the Fellowship of the Ring by virtue of showing up and being willing to go.

And so, perhaps the greatest prerequisite to any great deed, no matter how big or small, is neither courage nor honor. Perhaps the most important prerequisite is simply showing up, recognizing a need, and declaring, “Here am I, send me.”

Frodo was at the council in Rivendell. He recognized that the ring had to be destroyed in Mount Doom – and that someone had to take it there. One might easily think a Hobbit the worst possible candidate for such an endeavor. And yet, he was the best candidate – because he was willing to do it.

Now, it is probably safe to assume that most of us do not plan to travel to Mordor anytime soon. Fortunately, the value of showing up extends far beyond epic adventures.

Say the Hobbit Merry is preparing for a party, and Pippin arrives to help with some of the heavy lifting. Sure, there might be stronger Hobbits, or those with better ideas on how to decorate, but Pippin is the one who showed up. A Hobbit who wants to help will accomplish far more than a smarter, stronger, and perhaps “more qualified” Hobbit who is not present.

The fellowship of those who showed up. (Source: Wikipedia)

Whether King or Hobbit – the quest awaits those who are willing.

I believe this sentiment applies to us non-Middle-earth dwellers as well.

Great deeds are not reserved for those of great renown.

Small acts of kindness are not reserved for the soft-hearted.

Interesting ideas are not reserved for scholars.

Seeking truth is not reserved for philosophers.

Fighting back against darkness is not reserved for soldiers.

Each of these tasks is best accomplished by those who show up.

… and even a Hobbit can journey to Mordor if he is willing to say, “Here am I, send me.”

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The pain of thinking, Leonidas, and charitable lies: Click here to discover more about the importance of truth.