You'll recall the group of dwarves and Gandalf were enjoying a fine meal at Bilbo's expense. The dwarves informed Bilbo that they were seeking someone to share an adventure but were having no luck. Bilbo responded, ""I should think so — in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!"
Not only was Bilbo not interested in the adventure he couldn't bother with one because he might be late for dinner. You probably laugh at the thought of passing up an adventure because it might make you late for dinner. Yet, how often do we do just that: stay in the comfort of our homes instead of going out on unknown adventures. In book form, it makes a great story with a little bit of humor. In reality, though, we often don't think it's such a funny thing.
Back at the dinner party, tales of great adventure are being shared with gusto by Bilbo's guests. Bilbo's heart sank. The hobbit in him simply wasn't interested. Yet, there was another part of him--the Took blood that ran in his body--that was intrigued. It just needed a little flame to be brought to life.
That spark came in the form of being seen as less than he saw himself as being. Having collapsed while the stories were being regaled, he overheard one of the dwarves saying that he "looked more like a grocer" than a thief. The Took blood within him was brought to life enough for him to decide to go on the adventure.
He went to bed with that but woke the next morning ready to tell the others that he, in fact, wasn't going to go. Only he was alone in his comfortable home and had nobody to tell. When Gandalf appeared shortly thereafter, Bilbo had enough spunk to hurry after the departing party.
How often do you find yourself embarking upon an unexpected adventure? I know a couple years ago when I received my pink slip at work I found myself on an unexpected adventure. Welcome or not, it was enough to cause concern.
Bilbo now on the adventure found himself hiding in the face of danger more often than not. Somewhere along the trip, though, he built up some semblance of courage. Gollum's ring which enabled him to be invisible helped, of course.
Although we might not have Gollum's ring, we may find ourselves being overlooked and invisible. Who are we to take on giants and orcs? Yet, I have found, being overlooked can turn out to be an advantage. After all, if nobody expects us to attack, they'll be surprised when we do.
Attacking from the shadows was a lesson Bilbo learned and put to use when entering the cave he feared—Smaug's lair. Instead of facing Smaug directly with sword in hand, Bilbo entered quietly, invisibly in order to seek the treasure of the Arkenstone.
It was Bilbo who achieved the mission of gaining the treasure, the stone that would reestablish Thorin, the leader of the dwarves in the party, as king under the Mountain. Ultimately, Thorin's greed got the best of him.
Fortunately, for all those who faced the evil horde of enemies in the Battle of the Five Armies, Bilbo retained his unassuming nature even after having gained the Arkenstone.
Throughout the adventure, Bilbo retained his sense of self. His perspective grew as he developed through the journey, but he never saw himself as more than he was. He was sufficient for the task, but not greater than any of his companions.
Your journey will likely cause you to expand beyond your limited perspective. The trick will be to believe in that potential while retaining the humility to look at your companions as equals. Happy adventures, you are up to the task!
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