Hobbit Habbits

11 hours and 23 minutes of Middle Earth awesomeness. That about sums up the first day of 2009 for me. II Peter hosted A Lord Of The Rings Marathon and I was NOT the only fool to attend. Kind of ironic after a semester spent studying "Don't Waste Your Life". I'm trying not to think about that. :-)


In years past, my buddy Matt would run a Tom Clancy movie marathon consisting of "The Hunt For Red October", "Patriot Games" and "Clear And Present Danger". So the concept isn't new, but the neck ache is. Big difference in length. One possition all day, not so much a good idea.

I already gave a short rant not too long ago about my favorite character, Aragorn, so there really isn't much else to be said. Well, there was. Having seen the movie so many times, I'm not distracted so much trying to follow things, and instead can make observations. I had a ton of MST3K riffing on the tip of my tongue, but with a sore throat and the only person assured of being entertained (Josh) not around for most of the movies...I kept it to a min

So, do you think I can get away with a segway into habits from hobbits? Sure. The bigger question is, is that how you spell the word for a conversational topic change?

I've heard it said in Sunday school class multiple times, that you can replace bad habits with good habits. I think that is exactly what true change would appear like. In the Bible, Paul describes the ultimate change - "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 1 Corinthians 5:17. And I believe the same is true for habits, attitudes, etc.. In a transformed habit, you will see a new one grow in it's place, or an old one come back like a weed.

When I moved into this house over five years ago, I had alot of talks with my landlord and friend, Rodney, about my bad habits, and how difficult it's been to change them. He told me something that took years to mean anything to me. He simply told me to ask Jesus for help and trust that He will do so. I am grateful for such a simple goal, though difficult as it is. When you admit your need, when you commit to the God glorifying change of habit, you will see His avenue (not just a new me-street) of actions and thoughts meant for our transformed lives, even though it's still up to us to take it. I still see myself in my bad habits alot because I often take the wide road even though I see the narrow. The question is, do I really understand and intend to stay on a better road?