Finding Jesus in unexpected places

Ratty searching for food in Mole's home.

Home.



Just one word but one that creates such powerful feelings.


Our homes hold such deep and precious memories. For Mole, in the children's classic 'The Wind in the Willows', the desire and longing for his home is so strong that it breaks his heart when he has to ignore its call to him.

 'With a wench that tore his very heartstrings he set his face down the road and followed submissively in the track of the Rat, while faint, thin little smells, still dogging his retreating nose, reproached him for his new friendship and his callous forgetfulness.'


Dulce Domum, is one of my favourite chapters in the book, and never fails to move me. As it's now December, and the local field mice sing a Christmas carol in this chapter, I felt now was a perfect excuse to share a well loved book of mine with you, dear reader.

 Looking more deeply into the story behind this well loved classic, I've discovered how much it's meant to so many.

 The most staggering to me, was an endorsement from the US President, Theodore Roosevelt!

 In 1909, then sitting US President Theodore Roosevelt wrote to Grahame to tell him that he had "read it and reread it, and have come to accept the characters as old friends"

 And old friends the characters do seem indeed. The sheer bravado and arrogance of Toad, the positivity of Ratty, the loyalty and kindness of Mole and the respect that Badger commands.

 This is a glimpse into another way of life. A simpler and quieter time. You can almost feel your blood pressure lower as you read of rowing on the river, gypsy caravans and picking crab apples, sloes and wild cherries.

 This story has wonderful values too. Loyalty, respect for others, and the dangers of been too proud. 

 Did you know that Mole and Ratty 'did worship'? Admittedly it was the pagan god, Pan, in the chapter 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. but for those of you who have read the book, have you ever realised how Jesus-like Badger is, when Mole and Ratty come and visit him?

 He had prepared a place for his guests, he washes Mole’s wounded shin, and he doesn’t scold them for their folly


I only discovered this by reading a good friend's prayer letter -where this quote came from - and it makes total sense, but I'd never noticed it before.

 And as we talk about Jesus, we remember that he's preparing a place for us, which our heart longs for as much if not more so then Mole longs for his home.

 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. (Hebrews 13:14).

 So until next time, keep writing, keep reading and may you also encounter Jesus in unexpected places.

Martin is a writer, baker, photographer and storyteller. He's been published in the ACW Christmas anthology and Lent devotional. He's currently honing his craft at flash fiction and you can find him on Twitter here. .