Saturday, November 5, 2011

a note on bravery, while i watch Lord of the Rings.

The concept of bravery is rather fascinating to me. It's a necessary element to any good story, we would detest a story without it. And yet it seems that in real life beyond the movies we watch, we avoid it at all costs. Bravery, as far as i understand it, is to do the right thing in the face of adversity.
If i'm honest, part of the reason i am fascinated with the concept is that i have been told throughout my whole life that i am a brave person. I think it is a misconception. I think I am adventurous. Why do we confuse the two? Is it possible that it is far less brave to travel the world than it is to wake up at 5:30 in the morning praising God? What does that mean about me?
Is it possible that I am designed for adventure, that part of whatever it is that was made in me since the beginning of time yearns to (as Dr. Mashburn calls it) get out and 'see other caves'? and is it possible that my desire to know is not bravery. that bravery for me means quietly and consistently doing the right thing.
Love is patient.
Love is kind.

how easy would it be if it read "love is adventurous" or maybe "love is thrilling"? But to be patient, to be kind- that is brave. It is brave to remain silent when we want to speak. To do every assignment in school thoroughly even when i don't agree with it and the teacher makes me angry. To not speed on the bayway when i am late for school. That is bravery.
It is much easier to go to Oxford this summer than it is to do those sorts of things.

love is patient.