Rain Clouds, Quotes, and Musings

Pippin: I didn't think it would end this way.

Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it.

Pippin: What, Gandalf? See what?

Gandalf: White shores... And beyond. A far green country, under a swift sunrise.

Pippin: Well... That isn't so bad.

Gandalf: No. No, it isn't.
 
-The Return of the King
 
I happen to be very fond of this quote. Taken alone, it is, quite simply, utterly beautiful. Viewed from my Christian mindset, it is a lovely picture of the way I should be living my life: fearlessly, knowing something far better is in store.
 
I was reminded of this quote last Friday. It was a grey, rainy day. Dark clouds overhung the sky, casting gloom on everything. The sun had disappeared...or had it? There came a break in the grey rain clouds, and through it I could see a bright blue sky. A single shaft of sun fell through the gap, illuminating a patch of ground. Now, I shall do my very best not to get into lengthy metaphors, parables, and preaching here, but I am sorely tempted. Here are the thoughts that went through my mind as I saw that break in the clouds:
 
At this time, I am trapped in darkness and rain. There really is not any escaping it, and there definitely is not a way to make it stop. I have two choices: One, to despair because of the nasty weather, worry about getting rained on or struck by lightning, and be generally miserable. Two, go stand in that patch of sunlight and remember that all rain storms come to an end. I will choose option number two because it seems like the only sensible thing to do.
 
At this time, I'm stuck in world that dislikes me. Short of rejecting Christ, there really is nothing I can do about the world's opinion. Rejecting Christ really is not an option in my book, so I have two choices: One, to go through life a timid (and therefore much less effective) Christian, worrying about what others might think, say, or do to me. Two, to realize that this world is not my home. I belong with God and in Heaven. I am just down here for a short time, and I' am going to let God do whatever He wants with me.
 
Those rain clouds reminded me that, above the darkness of this world, there are is a Heaven...and it's waiting for me. So why should I worry about what people say? Why should I worry what they think? Why should I worry what they do? Not that I want to be insensitive to others, but following Christ matters more than anything else. Above all, why are so many Christians worried about death? Really folks! Death, for a Christian, means being packed up and express-shipped to Heaven. Why on earth would anyone be afraid of that?