17 Comments

Thank you for commemorating such a glad day. Rivendell is also refered to as the hidden valley. In a broken world, safe and healing places must be hidden. Not to make them inaccessible--but so they may be found by those who seek with all their hearts.

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This is quite beautiful, and stirring, Josh. I also never made the connection to Jesus before. Well done!

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

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Thank you for this golden thread. One of the signals, in my opinion, of living work is its ability to find new meaning with every reader. And yours is rich and dense like black cherry syrup!

Have you explored Tom Bombadil? I’d love to hear your perspective

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Oct 25Liked by JRR Jokien

What a beautiful reflection—thank you! This is the first time I’ve thought of Elrond’s healing mission and how that can be a reflection of Christ’s healing work in the face of loss. Very inspiring words to start the day—and maybe time for another read of LOTR! 😁

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I absolutely LOVE Peter Jackson's version of Rivendell. I want to retire there one day. No, really. Can I?

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Nov 17Liked by JRR Jokien

Wonderful writing. I needed respite in its own right.

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Are there any such "homely houses" in the contemporary world? Not, of course, ones which utilize the power of the elves to protect them against disaster and decay—but a place where rest, healing, and contemplation are encouraged? Sort of a cross between a writer's retreat, a vacation, and a really good coffee shop? And if not, what would it take to make something like that?

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There’s a Christian retreat centre in BC, Canada named Rivendell. I think it strives to be a quiet setting of peace and beauty, for healing and reflection.

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Fantastic!! I drew the parallel as I was reading yet after the last sentence of your piece here I was only left thinking because his yoke is easy and burden is light.

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I do hope you put on your youth pastor voice for that last part.

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