Things Lost in the Fire – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

We will not get through the journey without loss.  One of the things that makes us who we are is how we deal with the loss.  It is vital that I treat every loss as something that can make me more aware of who I am and how I must follow Christ.

If I do not assure that I see things this way then I giver foothold to doubt and bitterness.  I must not allow anything to prevent me from seeking Christ in the smallest loss.  He is there waiting for me.  He is there longing to comfort and guide.  I just need to really look.

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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Things Lost in the Fire – A Moment to Clarify

Greetings Dear Reader,

A few of you have expressed concern over this conversation.   First let me express my gratitude for your kindness, compassion, and prayer.   I want to assure you that even when memories hurt that I move on in faith.

One of the bedrock reasons for this writing is to address the things in my thoughts relative to my journey.  When old loss and pain attempt to reassert their grip on me I must think and often write my way through the pain.  Doing so reminds me of who I am and whose I am.

There is no guarantee that the journey will not have difficult moments.  How I work through these moments determines how I also deal with the day.  If I do not deal with my feelings honestly then it will infect my dealings with those around me.  This is not allowed. 

The other benefit of working through this in this venue is that it may aid you Dear Reader.  I share my joy and pain so that perhaps you can find solace, hope, or merely a fellow traveler for a space.  I hate being alone and if honesty yields a moment of comfort for you then it is worth it.

Again I thank you for your kindness Dear Reader.   May the Father richly bless you for it.  I hope this yields further understanding for you.  The invitation to follow Christ is not one to always be happy and satisfied.  It is one to carry the cross in hope.  It is the opportunity to journey home with assurance that no matter the hazards along the way the destination is worth the walk.

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 ͡°)

Things Lost in the Fire – Vocations

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things that I miss is teaching.  Not just being a professor but teaching in a place where young minds have come to learn more about following Christ for both life and vocation.  It is my fault.  My choices led to this loss but I still mourn it at times.

In the autumn is when I miss it most.  As the air crisps and the nation begins to return to school I miss the preparation and anticipation.  I miss the moments of reunion with fellow teachers and beloved students.  I miss the story telling about summer adventures.

The study and preparation also energize me.  Wandering through the things that must be imparted for the lesson to be lived was great joy for me.  Spending the day reviewing and then imparting the truths of teaching the journey of following Christ to others was so joyful.

I failed in life and so lost this amazing privilege.  If I could recapture it I would.  Some would say I am unfit.  Others would say I am not good enough.  The fire that consumed this still smolders in me.  I accept the consequences of my actions but still long for what I had for a brief time.

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 ͡°)

Things Lost in the Fire – Companions

Greetings Dear Reader,

There is a line from a Kipling poem: “And the gloom of my bachelor days is flecked with the cheery light, of stumps that I burned to Friendship and Pleasure and Work and Fight.”

Over the years there are friends who have been with me through difficult times and tumultuous waters.  There are friends with whom I have walked through dark days.  I love them all.  Not all of them still love me. 

Some of the loss is my fault.  Some of my greater failures have harmed them and those friends have chosen to forsake me rather than allow things between us to heal.  This is not a judgment against them.  I do, however, long for the time when past offenses are left behind in the desire to journey home in companionship and harmony. 

Others have left the faith.  I love them no less but there is something about the common ground of a common path on a shared journey that binds us.  When we walk together in that shared faith we have a foothold to solve all ills.  When faith is forsaken once comforting conversation become contentious or offensive. 

The distance is there even when the space is common.  The heart breaks freshly when I see those who are dear to me but have chosen distance over forgiveness, faith, and fellowship.  Again, that is not a faulting of these friends.  It is my sorrow over the loss of communion and counsel.

I learn from this to love everyone without condition.  I fail at it but strive for it.  I cultivate joy at the encounter of those who are dear to me whenever we meet.  I treat strangers with kindness and welcome.  I keep all doors open so that should any of these friends seek me out they will find welcome.  I long for the time when Christ makes all things right and we can sit together in the light of peace.

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 ͡°)

Things Lost in the Fire – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

As we journey there are things that we must leave behind.  There are also things and people lost along the way.  We do not wish.  It does not bring joy.  Sometimes the sorrow of the loss lingers for a lifetime.

I have lost things along the way.  Most of them do not matter to me.  Friends lost along the way, however, is a much different thing.  I will not embarrass anyone by naming them but there are losses that grieve me.  They have revisited themselves afresh in my mind and I am going to ponder the pain to see what there is to learn from it.

When loss attempts to reassert its grip on me I must review what was the cause, the cost, and lesson of the loss.  I will walk through the memories and remember what I must carry away from the losses.  Walk with me as we remember how to turn death into a fighting chance to live.

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 ͡°)