Four Qualities Learned from the School of J.R.R. Tolkien

All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. — J.R.R. Tolkien

Let me drill down with you and reflect on these words by J.R.R. Tolkien. Let the insights gleaned give some light to your path as you navigate a storm or be enjoying some sunny weather.

Four Qualities Learned from the School of J.R.R. Tolkien

1. All that is gold does not glitter

We often judge the value of something by what we see on the surface. Truth is, some of the most valuable qualities people possess like steadfastness, resilience, faithfulness, kindness, don’t show up as flashy or grab our attention.

Don’t be fooled by the lack of glitter. Pay attention to those quiet qualities of the heart that are pure gold.

2. Not all those who wander are lost

There are times when we need to wander. There are times when being lost is what we actually need.

The path you are walking on may be well worn because everybody’s on it, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right path to be on. What if you need to see things from a different perspective? What if you need to wander off the beaten track to find the peace you are looking for?

I watch my dog Max wander while he walks and he becomes my teacher.

3. The old that is strong does not wither

Heat wrecks havic on thin branches and young trees. Heat bares down on old established trees but they remain steady and unphased by the pressure.

Old age does not guarantee strength but it affords you the opportunities to learn from and lean into the trials that can make you stronger.

4. Deep roots are not reached by the frost

Deep roots are formed by enduring adversity. Drought and wind cause roots to go down deep so that when the frost comes, the tree endures. Trees protected from wind and drought are unequipped when frost and ice appear.

In life, the deeper the roots, the better equipped you are for the icy experiences of life.

Reflection Questions

• What qualities do you admire in others that do not glitter?

• When have you wandered and been the wiser for it?

• What are you going through right now that is causing you to send down deep roots?