The White Council

This jam-packed paragraph recounts some of the actions of the Istari, though not mentioned for a while they have not been idle. Remember Mithrandir is Gandalf and Curunir is Saruman. From here I'm just quoting what I read:

"Ever most vigilant was Mithrandir, and he it was that most doubted the darkness in Mirkwood, for many deemed that it was wrought by the Ringwraits, he feared that it was indeed the first shadow of Sauron returning; and he went to Dol Guldur, and the Sorcerer fled from him, and there was watchful peace for a long while. But at length the Shadow returned and its power increased; and in that time was first made the Council of the Wise that is called the White Council, and therein were Elrond and Galadriel and Círdan, and other lords of the Eldar, and with them were Mithrandir and Curunir. And Curunir (that was Saruman the White) was chosen the be their chief, for he had most studied the devices of Sauron of old. Galadriel indeed had wished that Mithrandir should be the head of the Council, and Saruman begrudged them that, for his pride and desire of mastery was grown great; but Mithrandir refused the office, since he would have no ties and no allegiance, save to those that sent him, and he would abide in no place nor be subject to any summons. But Saruman now began to study the lore of the Rings of Power, their making and their history" (p. 300, The Silmarillion).

Saruman has never been a fan of Gandalf being around. And you can see how devastating Saruman's betrayal would eventually be as he was the head of the Council, the one spearheading the efforts to overthrow Sauron. But what struck me the most was that Gandalf refused to lead the Council (and all the inherent recognition and renown) so as to not interfere with the mission he'd been sent on. Now being apart of the Council aided that mission to be sure; but he did not want to be distracted from what was truly important for what had the appearance of importance. I think that is a life lesson. I can be caught up in what looks important and neglect that which truly is. This world will tell me, for example, I need more money (work more) to have more stuff (appear important). And yet what I really need to time for reflection, prayer, exercise, being with friends and family. Things that nobody (for the most part) would know I was doing or not. Lord, may I be like Gandalf rejecting that which looks important and embracing that which actually is important.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, circa 2463
Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, page 300