This week, I’m joined once again by my husband Alex for tea and a little chat about Lent. I wanted to share some ways I’ve been inspired and encouraged by the journeys of Frodo and Sam and how I’m planning to carry some of these ideas along with me through Lent. I hope you’ll find one or two of these ideas useful!

A Hobbit’s Guide to Lent

Below are a few simple ideas for penances one might take up for Lent, as modeled by the examples of Tolkien’s hobbits. Many of these are meant to be a bit tongue-in-cheek, of course.

• Stop wearing shoes (or choose sandals if weather permits)

• Get rid of things you don’t’ need, or feel an unearthly attachment to.

• Choose to sleep less comfortably: whether with fewer pillows, a lightweight blanket (or none at all), or something along these lines

• Walk instead of drive, whenever possible

• Eat more Lembas

• Enjoy meals slowly and with good company

• Avoid sugary drinks and choose to drink water only

• Allow time in your schedule to ‘carry’ friends when they need you

• Let go of ‘Your Precious’ attachment to sin or comfort

Many of these ideas are drawn from my free eBook, Thirty Days in the Shire. While Lent is a bit longer than thirty days, this book can serve as a Lenten companion along your way. You can find it here:

Recommended Reading:

• “The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien” edited by Humphrey Carpenter: particularly 43, 55, 89, 213, and 250

• Read The Lord of the Rings this Lent with LentenLordoftheRings.Wordpress.Com

• If you can’t read all of The Lord of the Rings, at least read Mount Doom & The Field of Cormallen (in The Return of the King).