It is the morning of the first day of Advent. 6:00 AM, the second alarm goes off to wake us up. Usually Maleny sleeps through, but "not this day". A movie critic is giving a review of several movies opening near Christmas. The Return of the King is mentioned and Aragorn's voice comes over the radio, he is commanding his men to battle. At the sound of his voice, Maleny sits up from a sound sleep and jumps out of bed. She has heard his call and is ready for her day!
Yes, I know what you are thinking. But this is Maleny, she knows his voice and she identify's with the King. She would follow him anywhere.
Tolkien did not write this, but it was a maybe the best of additions to the movie.
"Hold your ground, hold your ground! Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of woes and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good Earth, I bid you *stand, Men of the West!*"
I found this narration in my journal written on the day of the event. I am sorry that there is no mention of her speech. I have to record the even before I throw out the journal. Maleny's obedience to the voice she loves gives me so much to ponder. I want to rise in the morning with the same tenacity. Taking hold of my day through the inspiration of the King of Kings. Not just one morning, but every morning.
