Though working in a home that is founded on God’s work from its inception, I feel I’ve come to serve in error and should be home helping my aging mom. I feel like the Pharisees who were called out for dedicating whatever help they would have given to their parents to God…that it was wrong. I just can’t help but feel I always make wrong turns….
I love it when this happens. On Friday, I started reading "Every Good Endeavor," with the Niggle story in the Introduction. It was helpful following a week when I had to cancel a workshop I planned to lead due to lack of sign-ups. I also spent hours preparing for a speaking event that had only a dozen people attend. So I was feeling a little frustrated with (what I thought were) the poor returns for the effort I was putting in. And then I read the story a second time in your Substack today and see God's encouragement to keep going. (Sometimes it takes a couple jabs for me to get it!) Thanks so much for this encouragement!
Leaf by Niggle is a complicated allegory. It certainly addresses frustrations, including those about Tolkien's "received faith." I love how Niggle's frustrations with his neighbor's interruptions of his painting (to help that neighbor's sick wife) are later seen as a missed portal to a collaborator in painting the tree. The neighbor was a gardener who later helped Niggle understand what he was painting.
Thank you for a very thoughtful uplifting essay. Had never heard of this short story. All work is ennobling and to be praised. Sloth is to be heartily rejected. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow….
Oh, this is good, and a timely reminder of how the little things matter. Thanks, Scott! ❤️💯
Thank you for this. You give great examples of how many of us feel much of the time, followed by such encouraging words.
Excellent Scott. Going to share with my student leaders.
A needed reminder. Thank you.
Though working in a home that is founded on God’s work from its inception, I feel I’ve come to serve in error and should be home helping my aging mom. I feel like the Pharisees who were called out for dedicating whatever help they would have given to their parents to God…that it was wrong. I just can’t help but feel I always make wrong turns….
Taking care of our parents in their seasons of need is a noble calling! And it is faithful work!
I love it when this happens. On Friday, I started reading "Every Good Endeavor," with the Niggle story in the Introduction. It was helpful following a week when I had to cancel a workshop I planned to lead due to lack of sign-ups. I also spent hours preparing for a speaking event that had only a dozen people attend. So I was feeling a little frustrated with (what I thought were) the poor returns for the effort I was putting in. And then I read the story a second time in your Substack today and see God's encouragement to keep going. (Sometimes it takes a couple jabs for me to get it!) Thanks so much for this encouragement!
Bless you!
Thank you for this encouraging reminder that, big or small, whatever is done for the Lord matters.
Leaf by Niggle is a complicated allegory. It certainly addresses frustrations, including those about Tolkien's "received faith." I love how Niggle's frustrations with his neighbor's interruptions of his painting (to help that neighbor's sick wife) are later seen as a missed portal to a collaborator in painting the tree. The neighbor was a gardener who later helped Niggle understand what he was painting.
I love this! Thank you. I look forward to reading your essays every Sunday. Go bless you and your family.
Thank you for a very thoughtful uplifting essay. Had never heard of this short story. All work is ennobling and to be praised. Sloth is to be heartily rejected. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow….