The Passing of a Man

Greetings Dear Reader,

Recently the man who took the time to show me who Christ is and the love he has for me reached the end of this part of the journey.  I wrote about this last week not realizing that as I was writing about his gift of love and compassion toward me on the same day that he was departing this life.

I do not think I can properly say what this man’s love and compassion did for my life.  I lost track of the man for quite some time then reconnected with him via Facebook.  He remembered me and our conversation under the stars during that Georgia spring.  We talked back and forth about my journey toward Christ and the similarity of our failings along the path.

As he slips into the mortal past what he did for me and others will live on for generations and beyond time.  So many lives were changed for the better by this man.  So many more lives are changed by the work of those he reached.  In remembering the man who changed my life I realize that story he told of his own redemption is just a link in that part of the journey.

When I do what is right to show Christ to others I honor this man.  When I do not I taint the memory of the time that he reached out to me.  There is no moment when I do not owe a debt to the man who put my hand on the latch to that door which is Christ.  The debt I owe is to live a life that does the same for others. 

My journey toward Christ began by that lake in 1974.  Almost forty years later my journey has taken my memory often to that moment in Georgia.  With the passing of the man who reached out to me I feel that I must add more to my efforts to reflect Christ to others.  I will miss the exchanges but know that the parting is not permanent.  For now I will envy where he is in the journey and hope to honor the gift he set before me so long ago.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Unmet Expectations

Greetings Dear Reader,

We have all had this experience.  We go to a movie that has had excellent previews and a good opening weekend.  Excitement is shared and all goes still as the opening scene unfolds.  At some point it dawns on us that the movie is terrible.  When this happens I feel a great sense of disappointment.  I expected something and it did not pan out.

I wonder how often my disappointment or dissatisfaction is a result of my own expectations.  This is one of those things that I struggle with often.  One must have an expectation to be disappointed.  When I place an expectation on someone else I am being unjust.  While everyone has obligations regarding how we treat each other then I must think of others before my own wants.

When I put myself first by expecting things from others I am not treating them well.  I am also setting myself up for disappointment.  They only one who can meet my expectations is God.  Only in Christ will I never find disappointment.  Only in Christ will I realize the meeting of my needs and the attention to my spirit that will satisfy.

If I feel that my expectations are unmet then I need to revisit those expectations through the lens of Christ and his example.  The journey is much more difficult if I do not view things through Christ.  If it is Christ I am following then I must learn from his example as regarding what I expect of others. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

In Memoriam – Thank You

Greetings Dear Reader,

To me it seems that nothing is as simple as the words “thank you.”  To me is seems that thank you is rarely enough in this case.  While I sit in my comfortable home there are still men and women in harm’s way.  They are there for me.  They are there because they are willing to die so that I can live.

Even those who have fallen who we cannot name have a place of honor.  Many simply never return.  They are not known and are not identified.  We must never forget that all those gardens of stone exist because people laid down their lives for us.  I must be as vigilant as those soldiers to use my freedom to make the world a better place.

I cannot do anything to equal that gift.  Then again it is a gift.  I must honor the gift and those who gave it.  I need to live up to the ideal of this country that so many have died to protect. And to those who do the heavy lifting to assure that I can live that way, I can only do this.

Thank you.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

In Memoriam – The Burden of Freedom

Greetings Dear Reader,

I do not want anyone to think for a moment that I do not cherish my freedom.  I do think that we forget that it is a burden as well. With all freedom comes responsibility.  We owe a debt for our freedom and we have continuing obligations because of it. 

We have an obligation to the fallen.  People have been put in harm’s way and died so that I can be free.  If nothing else I owe them a debt.  I owe it to them to live honorable in my freedom.  I must not abuse it to limit the freedom of others.  I must participate in the political process with my conscience and my vote.  I must honor service personnel whenever possible. 

I owe our veterans a debt.  I owe them gratitude, kindness, and respect.  I owe them more than I can ever repay.  Even those who come home physically whole do not always come home unharmed.  I owe them my love and understanding.  People I have never met and people I encounter every day have sacrificed time and family to give me freedom.  I owe them a debt.

Freedom’s burden stretches beyond the soldier.  I owe a debt to the future because of my freedom.  My grandchildren must inherit a sense of responsibility not just the freedom.  My nation is not always right but it is my home.  I must work to ensure that the future inherits not just freedom but that it is bourn up by justice and equality.  No matter what my moral values are I must assure that care those in need is addressed.  I cannot dismiss my social obligation to anyone because I have a burden of debt to the future.

Further, freedom’s burden includes my debt to God.  Any freedom I have is a gift from God and I must cherish it.  I have an obligation to live a life that reflects my freedom in Christ while never using that freedom to hinder others from seeing Christ.  No matter how powerful my nation thinks it is I know that all my freedom is a gift from God.  This weekend is focused on my obligation to our military.  It would be a dishonor to them not to also acknowledge my debt of gratitude to God for the freedom I have.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

In Memoriam – So Many Flags

Greetings Dear Reader,

Even yesterday I began to see the flags lining streets, driveways, and cemeteries.  I feel the loss deeply.  I hate war so much.  I had a conversation earlier in the week with a student who is a veteran.  He did not merely serve his time. He wants to continue in the military because he values the job he does.

He spoke of the friends he lost in the Middle East.  He spoke of the how hard it has been to readjust to “normal” life.  I saw him push back tears so that he could talk about his love for his country and the sense of belonging his military career provided.  He talked about how much it would hurt him to see all that flags everywhere when most people only valued cookouts and an extra day away from work.

I hate war but it exists.  I will, therefore, remember to pay close attention to having gratitude for those who put on the uniform of war so that I can live in peace.  I will see every flag for what it represents; those men and women who have died so I can go to Bratfest, spend time with my children, and have an extra day off work.  I will remember and hold each life dear in my heart.

I will pray for those who return less than whole either physically, mentally, or both.  I will thank service personnel when I see them.  I will continue to hate war and beg God to bring the world to peace.  Until then I will not forget that there are too many flags along the road for me to take them for granted.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

On Superman – What We Are

Greetings Dear Reader,

There is a transitional moment in my past.  It is April 14th, 1974.  I am at the FFA/FHA Camp in Covington, GA.  I have come to this place with a church group but under false pretense.   I hate my life at this time.  I have enough sedatives and the firmness of will to end my life.  My plan is to take the pills and begin the long swim across Jackson Lake.  As the pills claim me I will simply slip beneath the water whilst I am swimming.  One of the few things I have left is my love of swimming.

A man named Ray intervenes.  He talks to me in the wee hours of the morning.  Just a few hours before my appointed swim time.  He talks to me about Christ and faith and life.  He sees my pain and reaches past it to the boy who had love and hope in his heart.  The moment he does I remember the things that can be good.  In that moment I remember that God does love me and that he did many things to show it.

That night, under the spring stars of a Georgia night I determined to follow Christ and live for him.  In that damp night air I became something different.  This change is a forever change and no matter what followed I could no longer hide what I had become.  Who I am is who I am.  I have not always followed the truth of this but the truth does not change.  Once we taste this thing that is belonging to Christ nothing else can supplant it.

We can try to hide it but everything else merely counterfeits the satisfaction that is in Christ.  More importantly we daily either shape the realization of who we are or we try to take on an alter ego that hides our identity with Christ.   The latter always hurts us.  The latter always leaves us empty and dry.  Once we have taken on Christ this is who we are. We are born into it when we accept Christ.  We cannot be unborn.

As you know, I’m quite keen on comic books. Especially the ones about superheroes. I find the whole mythology surrounding superheroes fascinating. Take my favorite superhero, Superman. Not a great comic book. Not particularly well-drawn. But the mythology…The mythology is not only great, it’s unique.

Now, a staple of the superhero mythology is, there’s the superhero and there’s the alter ego. Batman is actually Bruce Wayne, Spider-Man is actually Peter Parker. When that character wakes up in the morning, he’s Peter Parker. He has to put on a costume to become Spider-Man. And it is in that characteristic Superman stands alone.

Superman didn’t become Superman. Superman was born Superman. When Superman wakes up in the morning, he’s Superman. His alter ego is Clark Kent. His outfit with the big red “S” – that’s the blanket he was wrapped in as a baby when the Kents found him. Those are his clothes. What Kent wears – the glasses, the business suit – that’s the costume. That’s the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. – Quentin Tarantino, Kill Bill Vol. 2

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store

On Superman – Destiny

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have more than I need and am truly blessed.  There are things I want beyond what I have but I am not dissatisfied or resentful.  Again I see the man of steel as an example of where my heart is.  He had the power to have whatever he wished but chose to let them come or go as secondary to doing what was right.

It is so easy to get focused on things we desire and think we need and set aside the nobility that is part of who we can become.  I am blessed that even my secondary choices are rewarding and help others.  There are days, more of late, however, where I yearn for the life in my heart rather than the one I am living.  I know that what I desire is good but just cannot seem to get there.  That just means I need to stay put until God moves.

I know that this time of year is harder than most.  In my mind summers are still for time with my children, swimming, and baseball.  That part of me hears the call of summers gone by and weeps for them to be real again.  It is one of the things that I have lost due to my own choices and may never get back.

I possess neither the nobility nor purity of Superman but I feel his pain.  I am tempted to turn my back on the things that hinder me living the life I want rather than the one that is before me.  The problem is that I know what I would have to become to be that man.  So what measure of nobility I do possess and the grace of God keep me where I am.

Superman

Tarzan wasn't a ladies' man

He'd just come along and scoop 'em up under his arm

Like that, quick as a cat in the jungle

But Clark Kent, now there was a real gent

He would not be caught sittin' around in no

Junglescape, dumb as an ape doing nothing

[Chorus:]

Superman never made any money

For saving the world from Solomon Grundy

And sometimes I despair the world will never see

Another man like him

Hey Bob, Supe had a straight job

Even though he could have smashed through any bank

In the United States, he had the strength, but he would not

Folks said his family were all dead

Their planet crumbled but Superman, he forced himself

To carry on, forget Krypton, and keep going

Tarzan was king of the jungle and Lord over all the apes

But he could hardly string together four words: "I Tarzan, You Jane."

Sometimes when Supe was stopping crimes

I'll bet that he was tempted to just quit and turn his back

On man, join Tarzan in the forest

But he stayed in the city, and kept on changing clothes

In dirty old phone booths till his work was through

And nothing to do but go on home – Crash Test Dummies

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

On Superman - Three Little Words

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have a writing plan for this week but God interrupted it yesterday with one of those moments that carries one into eternity.  I was picking up Christmas from the home of Sons and visiting with them all for a bit before the drive home.  The highlight of the visit seemed to be the dinner that my Daughter-in-law Raven had made. 

It was a new recipe for her and delicious to me.  As I sat with my eighteen month old Grandson and we were discussing Superman and cookies.  He has adopted hand in the air and hand by his side pose in pretending to fly like Superman.  When he talks he often emphasizes the last syllable of a word.  He flies like Super-MAN. 

As we sat there deep into the intricacies for Superman and chocolate cookies (pronounced cookas) I was overcome with the depth of this little man’s acceptance of me.  He looked me in the face and said “I love you.”  It is the first time he has said this to me and it changed me.

I know he loves me.  He lights up every time I arrive at his home and he interacts with me often.  We read books and play games.  We talk about his toys and his baby brother.  I know he loves me but now he said it on his own.  He had nothing to gain and no agenda. 

As I pondered this I was reminded of the first time his father and his uncle spoke these words to me when they were little.  I believe that nothing is so pure as a child voluntarily expressing love for an adult.  I was touched to the core of my being.  I awoke this morning realizing just how much this fits into my thoughts on Superman and the journey to Christ.  I think only the youngest children come close to expressing the love that Christ expresses to us. 

As I move through the day today I carry with me this new moment that I love and cherish.  It makes desire to be a better man, a better father, and a better grandfather.  It makes me determined to be more than I think or dream I can be just so that he feels as loved as I did in that moment.  It reminds me of the yearning I have to do the same for Christ; to follow him with passion and truth.

There is no kryptonite that can repel love.  Orion’s three words have encouraged and energized me in a way few things can.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

On Superman – It’s not easy

Greetings Dear Reader,

In my attempt to be real about things in my journey toward Christ I often find that the painful part of the journey overwhelms me.  While following Christ is simple it is not always easy.  In the following I have to hold things in my heart that tear and burn.  I can agree all I wish that the way in which Christ would have me deal with things is right and good but it does not keep me from seeing things that hurt my heart.

Recently I was reminded that there is no promise that there will not be sorrow or pain.  I am watching someone I love so deeply slowly self-destruct.  It hurts and burns and tears at my heart but he will not see it.

I know that God has a plan for him and I accept that.  God has the advantage of seeing how it will all resolve.  I have to be a superman in this.  I have to let people be who they are and help where I can.  I have to follow the code that is set for me no matter what I think is best.  So even if it means digging toward the kryptonite I must keep following.  I can only imagine how much pain God feels when he sees me doing the same.

It’s Not Easy

I can't stand to fly

I'm not that naive

I'm just out to find

The better part of me

I'm more than a bird; I'm more than a plane

I'm more than some pretty face beside a train

And it's not easy to be me

Wish that I could cry

Fall upon my knees

Find a way to lie

About a home I'll never see

It may sound absurd, but don't be naive

Even heroes have the right to bleed

I may be disturbed, but won't you concede

Even heroes have the right to dream

It's not easy to be me

Up, up and away, away from me

It's all right; you can all sleep sound tonight

I'm not crazy, or anything

I can't stand to fly

I'm not that naive

Men weren't meant to ride

With clouds between their knees

I'm only a man in a silly red sheet

Digging for kryptonite on this one way street

Only a man in a funny red sheet

Looking for special things inside of me

Inside of me

Inside me

Yeah, inside me

Inside of me

I'm only a man

In a funny red sheet

I'm only a man

Looking for a dream

I'm only a man

In a funny red sheet

And it's not easy

It’s not easy to be me – John Ondrasik

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Advance Gratitude

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that it is important not to count one’s chickens before they hatch.  I realize that the promise of the bud does not always deliver the fruit.  I do, however, also feel that the joy I experience at the sight of the many flowers and green berries warrants gratitude.

The strawberries have come slowly this year.  The cold spring has them just greening up.  The ample rain has them plump and hearty.  I have counted almost two hundred.  I yearn for them redden and ripen.  I long to pick them in the dewy morning and take some to my Sons and Grandsons. 

At some point I will pick the last one of the season.  Our resident skunk will steal a few.  Right now though I am so very thankful for the sight the dozens of green strawberries and white flowers that promise future enjoyment and nourishment.  They are one of the many gifts that God uses to remind me daily of his providence for me.

So in advance I wish to offer my gratitude for the beauty and promise of my strawberries.  I do nothing but gather and eat them.  I am thankful for this gift that beautifies my home and feeds both body and spirit.  Even if not a single berry were to ripen, at this moment I am filled with joy just because of the beauty and consistency of my strawberries.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

As Summer Descends

Greetings Dear Reader,

The nights are still cool and the days are warm but not hot.  My strawberries are green and the flocks are in bloom.  Games for the local semi-pro baseball team start in two weeks.  I find myself longing for the time when summer was a time when I could spend swimming and being with my children.

Someday I will have that again but for now I teach.  I will enjoy the cool whilst it lasts.  I will watch the strawberries ripen and redden.  Mostly I will drink in the summer more deeply and revel in its beauty.  The spring has energized me even though I am battling allergies and the ever present pollen.  I even have a yearning to go fishing.

I am sure that it is not just wistfulness for the passing of youth.  It seems I have turned a corner in my journey out of the pain and loneliness that has besieged me for the past few years.  Like the spring flowers I am opening up to things that I have shut away for some mysterious reason.

In following Christ I know that I have many things to learn and inner demons to conquer.  I worry about things that I cannot control but have chosen to give up controlling things and simply follow.  Whatever is emerging it feels good.  I pray that I follow well.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Solutions or Excuses

Greetings Dear Reader,

I do not believe in the no win scenario.  Every day I am confronted with students who do not believe they can complete school for one reason or another.  They have taken a risk to change their lives and the challenges often seem insurmountable.

I say to these students what I say to myself when problems seem overwhelming.  “If it is important to you, you will find a way; if it is not you will find an excuse.”  This is the crux of what we do in life.  We either find a way or make excuses.  We do what we believe and talk about the rest.

When I waffle at doing something that is right but difficult it is always a question of belief.  If I believe that God is God and follow with my heart then there is always a way.  Sometimes that way will not be what I want but there is always a way.  Every problem has a solution.  Every challenge can be met.  I must be following if I am to see it.

When I choose to lost faith and hope I begin to make excuses.  It is only if I follow that I will see the solutions.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

 

A Compass

Greetings Dear Reader,

So often I deal with difficulties by avoiding them or ignoring them.  This never works.  I have been working at living with more reality and less pretense.  As I have mapped my way to an understanding of how and when I avoid truth for false reality it has come to this simple thing.  I need be honest about where I am in different areas of my life.  I need to face how I feel and think.  I then need to measure those things against where God says I am versus where I need to be in those areas.

As I said yesterday, whenever I disagree with God, I am wrong.  Although this reflection is brief, it is clear in its simplicity.  The question I must ask in these situations:  When are you going to agree with God about where you are?

If I can face this honestly with filtering it through the things I want or the things I avoid I can increase my ability to follow Christ more closely.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Disagreeing with God

Greetings Dear Reader,

Over the centuries men have done much to bury the character of God under mountains for theology and dogma.  Much of what we think we know about God is a result of others trying to work their way in getting power or wealth.  I feel shame when I think of all the damage and pain that has been inflicted in the name of one who loves us so much.

If we cut through the things that wish to manipulate us then we find that it is reasonable that God would wish to communicate his love to us.  It is understandable that he loves us and wants a relationship with us.  The problem is that we want to make those things true on our own terms.

When I disagree with God I am always wrong.  I do not get to dictate how I build my relationship with God.  I am free to choose not to but I cannot feign faith neglect obedience.  I cannot pretend belief and do nothing.  While God gives me free choice in these things he allows no room for debate over the fact that my faith must have action to be real. 

Anything I do or say that is in disagreement with God is an act of futility on my part.  I cannot claim to follow and also disagree.  When Jesus told Peter that he must die, Peter responded with one of the clearest contradictions I have read.  While I am sure that he wished for Christ to not be harmed his response, “Not so, Lord” is inherently oxymoronic.  Either Christ is Lord or you may disagree with him.  It cannot be both.

I cannot have faith without acting on that faith.  I cannot pray without being willing to obey.  I cannot follow without constant movement toward Christ.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Forced Absence

Greetings Dear Reader,

I wish to apologize for my absence for the last week.  I have been very ill and am just truly this morning feeling my old self again.  A severe sinus infection and fever put me to sleep longer during the last week than I usually sleep in a month.

Illness always makes me more aware of my mortality.  The forced absences from things I enjoy caused me to examine what it is that I enjoy about them.  I work at appreciating things.  I try hard not to take anything for granted.

In between long uncomfortable sleeps I thought about the things I was missing and whispered my thankfulness for the good things in my life.  One of those things I missed was writing this blog.  I value you dear reader and will back to things this week.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."