A Calling to Call.

Are fictional characters really portraits of ourselves? Is that why stories are created? I have come to this conclusion: Good stories are created to either share what we have experienced, something that we desire to experience or to relay someone else's experience on their behalf. 

Adventure.
Romance.
Laughter.
Sorrow. 
Drama. 

In the midst of these stories that are shared, desire is birthed and understanding is made clear. Our hearts automatically identify with what we hear and we compare ourselves with it.

I sat in the Gainesville movie theatre, watching Bilbo Baggins struggle internally with wanting to stay safe in his home, or go on a dangerous journey that was new, unknown and thrilling. My heart beat fast, completely relating to his state of mind.

So do I want to be one who ignores that I am called and miss out on being chosen? Or do I want to be chosen as well as called? 

As I watched Bilbo run as fast as his big hairy feet could take him, my heart leapt at the thought of him leaving his home, uncertain of whether he would see it again, or not. There is so much satisfaction in not knowing what's going to happen next. You can't know that satisfaction until you actually step into that place of uncertainity. It's not meant for the half-hearted. But he knew in his heart he was called.

I know for certain that I am called. I am called to go. I am called to love. I am called to experience an adventure. Just as is every person surrounding me. And that is my calling: to make those surrounding me aware that they are called too. That they can partake in the adventure. That they have a story to live and share. So as I run wherever my small white feet take me, I won't look back but set my eyes on the Goal ahead.