Gratitude ~ Differences

Greetings Dear Reader,

The idea of uniqueness seems to be fading in the world.  We rush to be the same in so many ways.  We clamor to fit in to what is popular or acceptable.  We are looking for acceptance by fitting in when inside we yearn to be accepted for our individuality.

I love that everyone is unique.  We may gather around our sameness but it is our diversity from all other humans that defines us.  It is that thing that makes us vital to the universe.  It is what I am grateful for in every human.

Since I believe that every person was uniquely designed by God it means that every life has significance to all life.  Every voice belongs in the chorus of the universe, the one-song.  Everyone has something to contribute and losing that contribution diminishes us all to some measure.

I realize that the analogy may seem trite but the story of Horton Hears a Who is important here.  It is not until everyone lends his or her voice to the noise that they can be heard.  The song of the universe cannot be right if we silence the differences in our fellow humans.

This does not mean that I think that all things said and done are acceptable or good.  It does mean that every life matters to me.  I am grateful for the things I learn from those who are different from me.  I celebrate that diversity in the universe.  I have great gratitude for you Dear Reader.  What differences do you love in the 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 

Answer the Pepperoni ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Each of us sees some things as quirky.  We all have preferences and positions.  We are still free to think what we will.  We talk about diversity as a value but we do not truly embrace it. 

If I am to truly embrace the diversity created in all of us then I must not limit it to what I prefer or enjoy.  I must not limit my love and value of others to those of my tribe, preference, or family.  I must proceed through the journey with the understanding that every human, at any point in his or her life has unique value. 

Every life matters equally to the Father.  I cannot hate anyone but it must not stop there.  I do not have to agree with anyone’s values, political position, or social stance.  I do have to accept anyone as a human deserving of love and value. 

With that as foundational then the quirks and differences should be easy.  The things that are our irritants and peeves focus on are our preferences.  I must, in every interaction, seek to make others feel valued, accepted, and loved.  That is at the heart of following Christ.  It is at the core of the Father’s heart to call us all back to good; back to himself.

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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Answer the Pepperoni ~ Infinite Diversity

Greetings Dear Reader,

When I think of music there are artists that come to mind immediately.  Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Dan Fogelberg, and Michael Card, each discovered in a different decade are three of my very favorite.  They are artists from three very different genera but all three produced or produce very excellent music.

IDIC - Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations

There is no genera of music that I dislike completely.  Some have very limited appeal and others may only have only or two songs that touch my mind or heart.  I do not even embrace bands for the sake of the band.  Every song I like stands on its own.  There are some compilations that that I cherish as well.  The songs I choose serve my needs of the moment.   “Thought in the early morning, solace in time of woes, peace in the hush of the twilight, balm ere my eyelids close.”  

I want to see the diversity in people the way I see the diversity in music.  The Creator of made us each Mira, wonderfully different.   There is no life that does not matter.  There is no human that does not possess something that the universe needs.  I do not have to like every song.  I do not have to like every person.  I do have to love every person. 

Every life is just as precious as mine.  The differences we scorn should be instead understood and dealt with in love.  I was privileged yesterday to have breakfast with my dear friend Jeff.   We were discussing the political vitriol in the world.  Even though we differ on some areas of politics and theology we agree that nothing that is not built on love is something we support.

I can celebrate infinite diversity in others if I proceed from the foundational commands to love the Father and love all humans.  Since Jesus made it clear that everything else is built on that I really have no excuse to accept all differences unless they violate one of those requirements.  That filter is all I need. 

Magic Every Moment – Dan Fogelberg

I awoke this morning to a shattering sound

And I went downstairs and found these shards of glass strewn all around

There upon the floor I found this poor broken dove

And it made me realize how very fragile is this life that we so love

I came back up to bed and I held you so tight

And I prayed up to the Father, oh I prayed with all my might

That He'd always keep you with me, that He'd always keep you safe

And when I went downstairs I found that dove had somehow up and flown away

There's a magic every moment

There's a miracles each day

There's a magic every moment

Oh won't you let the music play

Oh won't you let the music play

On a high and windy island I was gazing out to sea

When a long forgotten feeling came and took control of me

It was then the clouds burst open and the sun came pouring through

When it hit those dancing waters in an instant all eternity I knew

There's so much we take for granted--there's so much we never say

We get caught up in the motion of just a living day to day

We are fettered to the future, we are prisoners of the past

And we never seem to notice 'til our lives have finally

Slipped right through our grasp

There's a magic every moment

There's a miracles each day

There's a magic every moment

Oh won't you let the music play

Oh won't you let the music play

You can see forever in a single drop of dew

You can see that same forever if you look down deep inside of you

There's a spark of the creator in every living thing

He respects me when I work but He so loves me when I sing

There's a magic every moment

There's a miracles each day

There's a magic every moment

Oh won't you let the music play

Oh won't you let the music play

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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Answer the Pepperoni ~ Predisposed

Greetings Dear Reader,

My children will tell you that I like my routines and rituals.  I like to get up at the same time every day.  I don’t like naps.  Sleep and I are enemies.  I like rest but not sleep. 

I have a morning coffee routine.  I have pattern for getting dressed and arriving home from work.  I partly do this so that I do not forget things.  I partly do it because I just like patterns.  I am predisposed to them and cannot remember a time when I was not.

We are all predisposed to certain things.  We like what we like.  We are prone to embrace the familiar.  We develop habits that suit our tastes and preferences.  It makes it more difficult to embrace change, new things, and the differences in others. 

It is our love or comfort with the familiar that makes accepting the differences in others difficult.  I am trying to be someone who is predisposed to our differences.  I said to my friend Abby just yesterday that I want to always be looking for the unique beauty in others.  I want to find that bit that makes them unique in all the universe. 

I craft this into my annual birthday greetings that I offer to friends on social media.  It is easy to say “happy birthday”.  Every year I try to create something that celebrates the individual.  I see every life as a unique creation of the Father. 

If we become predisposed to the unique beauty in every human it becomes easier to love and accept everyone.  I will not accept every behavior, choice, or belief.  I will love and accept the person because the Father put them here.  He does everything for a purpose. 

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 ͡°)

Answer the Pepperoni ~ A Pause to Respond

Greetings Dear Reader,

It was kind of you Carrie to respond with such open admission.   I want to take a moment to “answer the pepperoni” on your behalf.  I have been privileged to befriend people with anxiety of various levels during my life.  It is difficult to truly understand what these friends go through to function.

I do not, however, have to understand to be understanding.  It costs nothing to be patient and kind when someone struggles with choices or even being with people.  It takes nothing to be understanding and learn what a person needs to cope with an anxious situation.

I wonder why we do not see that this too is a part of the uniqueness of humans.  I would have it that no one felt fear in any situation.  Further I would that all humans were free from anything that hinders their joy in life.  Since that is not yet the case with us, I would that we learn that we learn that we can cast out fear in others.

Love crushes fear.  Taking the time to show love and patience with those who fight anxiety can create safe spaces for them to deal with it.  They may never permanently win the fight.  Then again, I have not overcome all my challenges either.

When we face that the anxiety in others is an opportunity for us to be loving and kind we gain great ground.  I must be good and kind to anyone who fights this fight.  I must be vigilant in learning what helps them fight and win.   Thank you Dear Reader Carrie for the gentle reminder.

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 ͡°)

Answer the Pepperoni ~ American Hamburgers

Greetings Dear Reader,

When my Daughter, Christmas first came to live with us I took her to a very nice burger emporium in our town.  It serves excellent food and quality beverages.  She was nervous about being in a new place and hesitant about ordering her meal.  I was unaware of the latter.

The server approached our table and asked for our order.  I gestured to her to go first.  She simply said she wanted a burger with fries.  The server asked, “What kind of bun do you want:  wheat, white, or pretzel?” 

Christmas, visibly nervous replied, “White?”

The server continued, “How would you like it cooked?”

Christmas knew this one but was still nervous, “Well done. Very well done please.”

The serve had more questions, “What kind of cheese would you like?  Do you want lettuce, tomato, grilled or raw onion?”

I saw real fear rise up in my Daughter’s eyes as she was overwhelmed by the choices.  I suggested to the server that she bring it all on a separate plate so Christmas could build her own burger.  I then ordered my burger but was already pondering what made this so difficult for her.

The server was not too far out of ear shot before Christmas explained.  “I am not used to having so many choices.  A burger is burger.  You get it the way it is served.” 

I was keenly reminded of the differences in so many cultures.  We have so many choices in our nation.  We have so many ways to express who we are.  It is in those differences of expression that we find our uniqueness.  It is where we can see that we are all of value. 

It is in loving who each person is that I can find the light of the Father in them.  The spark of the Creator is expressed in his unique touch to each of them.  If I hope to follow Christ well I must see and celebrate this in everyone.

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 ͡°)

Answer the Pepperoni ~ Toilet Paper Rolls and Toothpaste Tubes

Greetings Dear Reader,

I know a couple who have been married for over twenty years.  They work together well and have a very amicable marriage.  Their children are happy.  They have rewarding careers and missionaries. 

The harmony of their home, however, is easily shattered if one brings up the issue of how to hand the tissue.  The both believe that there is a “right” way to hang the toilet paper.  The over or under debate is one that seems innocuous but there are people who are very passionate about it.  There is another bathroom debate that does not get as much attention but is also divisive.

The argument of where to squeeze the toothpaste tube also runs throughout families.  This is one of those things that we argue about that really does not matter.  Eventually one must push from the bottom to get all of the toothpaste out. 

What I see is that we major over minors.  I have a toilet paper preference and in my home I simply adjust it that way when I find it the opposite.  I have learned that in this small disagreement there is no need for any negative emotion.  It does not matter how one hangs the toilet paper.  It still serves its purpose. 

I do like to hear why one has a preference on these things.  It is in their explanation that I learn to know them better.  I am trying to learn this about all of our differences.  If they do not matter then I must be patient and learn from others.  I must see the uniqueness of the individual.  I must embrace that the why is more important than the what. 

It is in learning to not care about the minors that I can become more loving.  I can follow Christ more closely and I can create more harmony with 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 ͡°)

Answer the Pepperoni ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

In the show Gilmore Girls, there is a moment of advice that resonates with me.  Here it is in brief:

MAX: How can they possibly eat more?

DEAN: Kind of surprised.

MAX: I know. They're bottomless pits.

DEAN: I mean at you. You've known them long enough not to be so confused.

MAX: Oh, I'm not confused. I'm just . . . what do you mean?

DEAN: Their eating habits are just the start of what you're gonna have to get used to. There's tons of stuff you should be aware of.

MAX: Really?

DEAN: Oh yeah. Like, don't ever use the last of the Parmesan cheese. And never get into a heavy discussion late at night 'cause that's when they're at their crankiest. Oh, and uh, go with their bits.

MAX: Their bits?

DEAN: Yeah, like, if you're eating pizza with them and Lorelai decides that the pepperoni is angry at the mushrooms because the mushrooms have an attitude and then she holds up a pepperoni and the pepperoni asks for your opinion...don't just laugh. Answer the pepperoni.

MAX: Answer the pepperoni.

Dean is advising Max to be aware of and respond to the quirks of the “Gilmore Girls”.  This is not a deep dive but there is value to be had in shallow waters as well.  We have difficulty accepting the differences of others even when they are unimportant.  We see the quirks of others as a reason to reject them

I want to instead see them as something to celebrate.   I want to understand people better. I want their diversity to be what enchants me about other humans.  This does not mean that I have to embrace every philosophy and belief.  It does mean that there are things about which I should not care. 

Indifference, however, is not enough.  I must also find the beauty and grace in the uniqueness of others.  I must ponder what matters and what does not.  I muse celebrate other deliberately.  I hope you join me as I ponder just how to answer the pepperoni 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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

On Giving Thanks – Diversity

Greetings Dear Reader,

There are some things that I always want to be the same.  I always want my steak to be rare and juicy.  I always want the Braves to win.  I always want the time with my children to last forever.  There are things that I want to be a constant in the universe.

But I am also thankful for diversity.  I do not mean the political diversity that seems to be pushed at any cost.  I mean the infinite diversity that exists in the world because of divine and human creativity.  I am thankful for the uniqueness of every sunrise, every cloud, and every snowflake.  I find awe and wonder in the natural world.  

I celebrate and love the diversity of people.  Everyone brings his or her own gifts and talents to the world.  Each person offers the particular beauty created in him or her by God.  I love seeing that uniqueness and seeing my Creator reflected in it.

If I am giving thanks I can do it in every moment with others.  Since I am commanded to love everyone if I am looking for how they are fearfully and wonderfully made then I am more likely to overlook flaws and imperfections.

The imperfections will pass when God makes all things right again.  What will remains will be the unique good things created in each of us from the beginning.  I would love it if I had focused on those things in others enough to barely notice the difference.   

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 ͡°)