Wander & Wonder

I didn’t come up with this myself (obviously), but today I found myself reflecting on the line “Not all those who wander are lost” from The Fellowship of the Ring. This line is part of a poem written by Gandalf in a letter to Frodo, referring to Aragorn and his journey as a wandering ranger. I love this quote because it conveys that wandering has purpose and meaning, even if it seems aimless at times. Aragorn’s story is a perfect example—though he faced uncertainty and doubt, his path ultimately led him to fulfill his destiny as King. I actually have a sweater with this quote on it, and whenever I wear it, I am reminded that feeling lost doesn’t necessarily mean you lack direction; it’s part of discovering where you truly belong.

Here is the full poem in case you are interested:

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.