Of Mice and Men – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I use my last day of vacation to rest I think about what this trip has done for me.  I have driven and walked very far.  I have been witness to someone being celebrated for her life and freedom. 

The land of Mickey Mouse has much to teach us about hope and dreams.  It also has much to teach us about what we can do if we set our minds on being good to others.  If humans can work together for a paycheck to ensure that others are happy then what can we do as Christ followers?

It is possible for dreams to come true.  It is possible for us to change the lives of others.  It is possible to make a difference. As one who follows Christ I must assure that my actions produce joy in the lives of others.  It is my obligation to make the impossible possible.  It is my duty to see to it that the dreams of others get a foothold in Christ.

People go where they get their needs met.  They flock to the Magic Kingdom to be briefly happy.  We need to create a space where people can find lasting joy.   We need to be an example.  I need to carry the lessons of joy and whatever it takes to created it with me every day.  The journey is both too long and too short to avoid it.

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.”

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Of Mice and Men – All Good Things

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I write this I am still recovering from the journey back and velocitation.  I still feel like I am hurtling down the highway when I am sitting still.  This too shall pass.  As with all good things vacations end.

I have a day to recover.  I think I have celebrated my Daughter well.  My brain and fingers are weary.  I cannot even type one sentence without an error.  I will rest and draw some conclusions tomorrow.  Good night Dear Reader.

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.”

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Of Mice and Men – Beautiful

Greetings Dear Reader,

As we leave Disney today we head north to Toccoa, GA.  The word Toccoa means Beautiful.   The place is beautiful.  It puts me in mind of when I took my Sons to Disney many years ago.  We spent three days then at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom.

On the way back home we stopped at a place called Ichetucknee Springs.  It is a spring fed river where one can snorkel and see beautiful fresh water wild life.  My Sons commented on how much better it was than all of Disney.

Remembering that day puts me in mind as I travel away from the illusions of Disney that it is the real things in life that can give us wonder.  It is the natural world that reveals to us the magnificence of creation.  I do not want to take anything away from what has been done here.  I do with to assure that I see the wonder in all good things.

I will write more about yesterday later.  There is a final Disney moment that should be shared and I must say farewell to someone.   As I travel today, however, I will be thanking the Father for the many blessings he poured out on us at Disney World.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Hollywood Smiles

Greetings Dear Reader,

The day spent and Disney Hollywood Studios was amazing.  My Daughter was chosen as one of the extras for the Indiana Jones production.  Because much of the park is under reimagining for the new Star Wars area we made it a shorter day.  We came back to the resort and truly rested.

Christmas was once again surprised by the Disney staff with a surprise that is yet pending.  I am constantly amazed at their creativity in meeting the needs of guests.  They work together, network across the parks, and act to go above and beyond for people.

In the vast illusion that makes up the Disney parks there is no illusion when it comes to being good to their visitors.  Once again I am astounded at what can be accomplished if people work together for a common goal.

Those of us who follow Christ could do the same to meet the real needs of the world if we chose to do so.  We could network, go above and beyond, and work to provide for the needs of others.  The people we meet along the way need this.  They need to feel that the real Kingdom of God has something to offer than illusion and promises.  They need to see it in reality.

I saw real people, with real tears of joy at the opportunity they were given to help my Daughter live the magic.   When was the last time we felt that emotional over the opportunity to feed the hungry or help those in need?  I need to get to that place.  That needs to be my desire.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Advent Anniversaries

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday truly was magical.  The Disney people lived up to their reputation for excellence.  At every turn my Daughter was treated like a princess including Disney providing all that was needed for a true makeover for our dinner at Cinderella’s castle. 

I saw real people with real lives outside of their jobs find great joy in drawing smiles and awe from a twenty-eight year old who for the day was just an eight year old.  The world spun a little slower and grew a little smaller.  This is expensive but worth every penny.

Always having an eye for managing the project I saw many things that impressed me.  The way in which the park moves people is so efficient.  The other aspect is how they manage feeding and hydrating everyone so well, with quality, at a fair price.  The entire movement of thousands of guests amazes the organizer in me.

I did not encounter one cast member who was not kind and friendly.  It once again put me in mind of just how much of a difference just being nice can make.  I was also put in mind of the impact having the power to do good and then doing it can help.  Two Disney staff members took my Daughter Christmas in hand and saw to it that she was made to feel like royalty.  They did not have to do this.  I did not pay for it.  They saw her, responded with compassion, and did great good.

What humans did in the name of a mouse I am supposed to do in the name of Christ.  What the church is supposed to be is echoed by the Disney people.  I am more determined to assure that am this whenever I can be.  If I do well then I will be able to create a kind of magic in the lives 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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Magic Kingdoms

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today we venture into the Magic Kingdom.  When we checked in last night Teresa made my Daughter feel as if she were the only person to arrive at this place where thousands arrive daily.  Today is Christmas’ birthday. 

This kingdom raised out of central Florida swamp land really is magical in a sense.  It is easy to forget that those who serve us here are real people with real lives outside of work.  In the moment when Teresa and my Daughter exchange conversation it was obvious that two real people were exchanging compassion for each other.   

As I move through this magic kingdom I will remember that the illusions here must not hinder my view of the real souls behind the smiles who deserve my kindness and grace.  They deserve to be appreciated, loved, and thanked. 

The Magic Kingdom is a place like any other that needs see the truth and love of the hidden Kingdom of Christ.  The Gospel is the herald of its imminent emergence.  I am to be its ambassador.  It is my obligation to represent the Gospel in every encounter but especially when others are working hard to serve me.

My focus will be on my Daughter today.  My heart will be to celebrate her freedom and healing from trauma and abuse.  I will mostly be celebrating her life.  I will also honor her by being good and kind to those we encounter.  I will do my best to honor Christ here as an example and as a gift.  The emerging Kingdom of God is much more vital than any Magic Kingdom derived for illusions.

The Kingdom – Michael Card

So near and yet still so far, far away

So close, and yet still to come

Concealed, the seed is mysteriously growing

In hearts that will listen and hear

A treasure that's hidden, a pearl of great price

A fortune for fools who believe

A kingdom of beauty, a kingdom of love

A kingdom of justice and peace

A kingdom that holds all the wiles of creation

A kingdom where children will lead

For now this kingdom's a land of the lowly

A place for the tired, plundered poor

image: http://static.urx.io/units/web/urx-unit-loader.gif

Now our gentle King comes in peace on a donkey

But then on a charger for war

A battle in heaven, a war on the earth

To shatter the long darkened siege

A kingdom of beauty, a kingdom of love

A kingdom of justice and peace

A kingdom that holds all the wiles of creation

A kingdom where children will lead

Not by our own strength

And not by the power of might

But by His Spirit it comes

Blinded eyes will see

And deafened ears will hear

The praise from the lips of the dumb

A kingdom of beauty, a kingdom of love

A kingdom of justice and peace

A kingdom that holds all the wiles of creation

A kingdom where children will lead

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Varsity Blues

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday we stopped at the original Varsity Restaurant for lunch, This world class drive in had be best chili dogs I have ever had.  Pairing then with amazing onion rings is a wise and glorious thing.   Washing it down a frosted orange is divine. 

Today we arrive at the resort.  The journey is reminding me why I no longer live in the South.  The heat and humidity are both assaulting me relentlessly.  My head is tired and words do not easily form today.     

It is the anticipation that keeps me moving.   Is occurs to me that the true nature of our motivation in life is the anticipation of things.  It is in the wanting that we find movement.  I think that this cuts both ways.  We can anticipate good things and this drives us.  We can anticipate things that are not so good and this hinders us.  Once again we are sculpted by that which we treasure. 

 

I must, therefore, align my desires with those of the Father.   If I do this he will help me desire the rights things.  I must focus on following even in the leisurely parts of the journey.    

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – The Road

Greetings Dear Reader,

At this point the road slips beneath us at speeds my Great-Grandfather thought dangerous to humans.  I love long drives especially when they take me to knew and unknown roads. 

This journey is mostly familiar and I have driven it dozens of times over the last twenty years.  There are moments and landmarks that mean much to me.  The hamlet of Paw-Paw with it windfarm and train museum is a byword in our family.  We have broken down twice there. 

The Effingham Cross is always a moment of prayer and reverence for me.  That such a great symbol of death inspires so deeply is a beautiful analogy of redemption to me.  It is also the gateway moment to Metropolis and the Superman Museum. 

My destination today is Macon.  I have not been to Macon in some time though it figures greatly in the first part of my dystopian novel currently under construction.  I first road in an old Thunderbird on my way to Macon as a boy.  The car had a slide over steering wheel and a thermometer speedometer. 

Driving always brings out so many memories.  Christmas is sleeping as is her passion when traveling.  The combination of the road and her snoring gives me so much time to muse and reflect.  I try to get the most out of the journeying part of the journey.  It is rarely the destination for me.

Both freedom and loneliness are constant companions for me when I drive long distances.  I pray and worship the God I love as I drive.  I ponder the lives of those I pass and who pass me.  I wonder where they are on the path back to God.  Everything about this journey is about the fellow travelers and our Guide. 

As I near each milestone I hope that I impart love and grace to the single serving friendships I encounter at gas stations and diners.  I hope that I am kind to those who seek hope and landmarks that guide them home.

I realize that there is no destination here that is more attractive to me than my final destination.  I long for that Undiscovered Country where the clearing at the end of the path yields welcome and true home.  For now, I must find what joy I can in the journey. 

Our real adventure begins tomorrow.  For today I will look at the sunrise, enjoy the road, and stop at a Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  As I meddle in the affairs of wizards and fairies I will take care not to get burned.  The road goes ever on and on Dear Reader.  Journey well today as I hope to do.  Spare a prayer for me if you are so inclined.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)