There has been a buzz in Ohio, in the United States, and in the entire world about the possible return of Lebron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers professional basketball team. I’ll admit that I was one that had my eyes and ears glued to every tidbit of news. Was “King James” returning, or not? Was there a chance that the best basketball player in the world would come to lowly Cleveland, the laughingstock city of the sports world?
Aragorn led the battle for Middle Earth with Frodo, the Hobbit, and Gandalf, the Wizard in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings “Return of the King” book and movie. After an exciting scrum between Frodo and Gollum, the deformed Stoor Hobbit, Gollum bit off Frodo’s finger to get the prized and enchanted Ring. But in the fight Gollum falls with the Ring in his possession into the lava. Gollum dies, the ring is destroyed, and Middle Earth is saved.
King James is returning to Ohio, and King Aragorn returned as the King of Middle Earth. In both instances people were almost giddy with the hope of a new era of victory and peace. It seemed not too unlike the jubilation evident when Queen Elizabeth, or Prince William and Kate, visit an obscure town around the world, or in the Vatican when a new Pope is christened as the new head of the Catholic Church.
But I think it would do me well to temper my excitement about these two kings. The Cleveland Cavaliers with Lebron James may prosper for awhile…and they may even win an NBA championship. It will bring a temporary euphoria. But King James will get older and will become less and less effective as a basketball player. The euphoria will die out as the Cavs come back down to earth in mediocrity.
The “Return of the King” is a wonderful story, and it may be a source of inspiration for many of us seeking adventure in conquering the giants of our lives. But in the end it is just that, a story.
See you next time,
Arlen
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