I recently enjoyed a relaxing evening with friends watching the newly-released movie, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.”    While there were many scenes and sayings in the movie that caught my attention, one dialogue in particular has stayed with me since that time.   The conversation takes place in Bilbo Baggins’ hobbit hole as Gandalf challenges him with the opportunity to go on an adventure.

In this scene, following a dwarf invasion of his home, Bilbo states to Gandalf, “I’ll be alright. Just let me sit quietly for a moment.”  Gandalf dryly replies, “You’ve been sitting quietly for far too long. Tell me, when did doilies and your mother’s dishes become so important to you? I remember a young hobbit who was always running off in search of Elves, in the woods. He’d stay out late, come home, after dark, trailing mud and twigs and fireflies.  A young hobbit who…