That’s why love is so Absurd

Greetings Dear Reader,

As amazing as grace is love is truly absurd. It sounds stupid to love those who hate you. It goes against the grain to love your enemy, forgive those who hurt you, and to take in those who would destroy you. It is completely absurd to turn the other cheek when you know you will be hit for it. It is stupid to think that it will do any good to love someone else for the sake of peace.

It is stupid, absurd, and mad but it is the only thing that works. It is love that burrows into the petrified heart. It is love that shatters stone and binds brokenness into power. It is love that is the only weapon whose strokes heal. Love is formidable and indomitable. Nothing can truly stand against it.

I must love at all costs. I must love the one who would kill me. I must love the spouse who abandoned me and broke my heart. I must love the child that refuses to see how far he is from his walk with Christ. I must love the co-worker who hates me for my faith. I have harmed Christ in all these ways and many more I do not even comprehend.

Not only must I love above all but I must absorb the hurt that is the cost of loving. No matter how much someone abuses my love for them, I must continue to love them. No matter how much it hurts to be near them I must accept them and do all that I can to live out the gospel of Christ in that relationship.

It is God’s blood that is shed for the sake of love and I dare not let one drop of it be shed in vain. I must amass the energy that is God’s love and deliver it with laser focus on all that I encounter. There is not cost great than the life of Christ so anything I am asked to pay is a pittance. It is absurd that God would allow Christ to miss a moment of his presence at the throne much less take on our pitiful shell of pain and withstand abuse at my hands.

Love is absurd but by God’s grace we are called and equipped to become obsessively absurd in our love toward others. God will raise great love from shattered hearts if we allow it. He will use that same love to raze pain if we will release it.

There is no room for division, abandonment, rejection, or dismissal of others. Reclamation demands it. We cannot say we follow Christ and reject anyone else. We cannot say we are his and dissolve the bonds we make in him. There is no room for anything but love without limit. Anything less IS truly absurd. I love you all; collectively and individually.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."

That’s why grace is so Amazing

Greetings Dear Reader,

I had the privilege to recently discover the musician Matt Maher. I am thankful for him and his music. Those who know me well will tell you that content matters to me much more than music style or genre. Feel free to check out this artist as you have probably heard a couple of his songs sung as worship songs.

The song that snagged me the hardest (picture a bass here gulping down a rooster tail), is the song Look Like a Fool. You seen the chorus pounded on the my brain the first eleven or twelve times I listened to it. I am going to dwell on it a little as it relates to me.

The first line is “That’s why grace is so amazing.” For me it is. My young life taught me that I was an inconvenience and a misfit. When I found Christ as a teen I was still somewhat of an outcast to both my family and my church family. As an adult I have failed in so many ways. Often I feel more like a misfit than I do anything resembling a child of God.

Even though that is true, God chooses to show the depth and breadth of his grace by occasionally letting me see how he uses me. Just today the campus president at the college where I teach told me that my kindness reaches far beyond where I ever see. It was an offhand comment that touched me in a way he could not have known I needed.

I still struggle every day with the depth of my inadequacies and the damage done by the rejection of those to whom I have given my heart. I believe that some of those wounds will never heal. Amidst all of that darkness there are stars that shine so brightly. Stars of hope that guide me on toward Christ and my journey with him show how his grace can even work through me.

Grace is amazing because it can make this scarecrow feel like more than stuffed rags lifted up on a pole to scare away marauders. Grace is astounding because from time to time I see where my actions or words cause a smile or warm a heart. Grace is enough because it allows us to be used to further the redemption project that the Father is working out in our world of misfits.

So remember your people
Remember your children
Remember your promise oh God
Your grace is enough for me – Matt Maher

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."

Changed to Bring Change

Greetings Dear Reader,

We sing a song at church that seems to carry into everything for me. Many times I have been in a discussion about what evidences that one is following Christ. I used to have a list of answers. I used to think that it could be quantified and measured. I am sure that God can do both but it is beyond my grasp.

I spent many years thinking and advising that if we keep a laundry list of Christ following activities and do them with all our heart that we are following correctly. What I am discovering and working hard to apply is that we cannot be sure that anything works without leading with the heart. The heart must seek Christ totally and then the change will follow.

If I do anything; eat, rest, play, or work, I must be doing for the purpose of following Christ. It is that simple and it is that complex. The Gospel of Christ must change me. If it does not then I cannot be sure that I am following. I have habits that I must abandon. I have weaknesses that I must abhor. I have places what I must conform to the love and grace of the Gospel.

The purpose of this is twofold. The primary is my own wellbeing. I am better for each thing I shed for the sake of Christ. I will be healthier, at peace, and able to absorb the ills of life if I am allowing Christ to mold me to his likeness. The second, as important but undoable without the first is that I am changed for the purpose of bringing change. God’s redemption project is designed to work through the redeemed.

It is not enough to simply adopt the name of Christ and enjoy a quiet private faith. I am changed for the purpose of evidencing that change to others. I am to become a conduit through which Christ can draw others and in turn work redemptive change in them. Everything Christ gives to me is completely mine and is mine to pass on. Everything I do that prevents the latter weakens my ownership of the former. How can I have confidence in a faith I do not share and practice? How can I show others a path I will not walk?

If the Gospel does not change me then I cannot see it changing others through my example. I have been redeemed for the purpose of my reclamation and the redemption of others. The Gospel must change or it is not the Gospel.

I have been blessed – now I want to be a blessing
I have been loved – now I want to bring love
I’ve been invited – I want to share the invitation
I have been changed – to bring change, to bring change – Aaron Niequist

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."

Getting ONE with Your Life

Greetings Dear Reader,

And sometimes we run by the power of his might
On own at the best we can plod – Michael Card

I was recently reconnecting with a friend and we were discussing the twists that life takes along the way. At one point my friend expressed the need to get on with life, but said that they needed to “Get one with life.” This slip has had me thinking all week.

In my efforts to gain a better grasp on my approach to following Christ, one of my foci has been to realize that I control nothing. I can follow Christ or I can try to control my world. Both are not possible and the latter ultimately fails anyway. Life comes more and more to mean the act of moment by moment looking for the next place Christ wishes me to step. When I do that I move and life is in harmony even amidst storms and pain.

Many years ago our family was returning from spending Thanksgiving in upstate New York with my maternal Grandfather. As we made our way south the sky began to take on the colour of dark slate and the opened up to deliver a massive winter storm. As the snow obscured all driving visibility we watched car after car slip off the road and pirouette into the ditch. My mother urged my dad to get off the road and find a place to stay the night. My dad was willing but wished to get further south of the storm first.

Easing down the right lane in our VW Microbus, he pulled in behind a Semi with chains on its wheels. We started up a long upgrade and my mum protested that we would get stuck and that we could not see. My dad explained that all he had to see what that truck’s tail lights and we would be fine. He glided along for miles behind the truck riding in the furrows left by its chains. Eventually, well south of the main part of the storm we pulled off for the night. Those who had pulled off earlier were stranded for days by a late fall blizzard. We were far enough south to make it home the next day.

Once we decide to follow is when our life begins to work. When I only follow I do not get lost. When I do anything but follow I am sure to get lost. When I do anything on my own I fail. When I follow Christ and him alone, I can get ONE with life and the beautiful dance that it is.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."

Thank You Veterans

Greetings Dear Readers,

I never loved the soldier until there was a war,
Or thought about tomorrow until my baby hit the floor.
I only talk to God when somebody’s about to die.
I never cherished freedom. Freedom never cries. – Five for Fighting

Let me start by saying that I hate war. Killing each other is the poorest way to solve problems there is. I am also pretty sure that it flies in the face of the command to “Love your enemies.” That said, tomorrow is Veterans’ Day. Because people are willing to kill each other over resources, land, power, and wealth a standing militia is a necessary thing.

I want to stand tall and strong and thank the individuals who wear the uniforms of our military for their service. We all know someone who has put on a uniform and left behind family and career to put themselves in harm’s way for our freedom. There is always a price to pay for freedom. There is always someone who dies so that I can go to Wal-Mart whenever I wish. I do not have to worry about Pizza-Hut being blown up whilst I have my bacon and pineapple pizza.

I have a Daughter-in-Law that is a veteran. She is an amazing person who is artistic, intelligent, and compassionate. I love her dearly and do not get to show it often enough. She put her life on the line to save the lives of both our troops and those of our enemies. She showed compassion to those who would have killed her had they had the chance.

Everyone knows someone who has risked all for our freedom. The entire country is lessened when a veteran has needs that are unmet. Every soldier is a volunteer. Every one that returns from war has risked all to protect my freedom. No matter what I believe about the politics involved, that is nothing compared to real men and women giving me the freedom to be whatever I choose to be.

We cannot escape the debt of love and honor we owe our veterans. We cannot neglect respecting them and their sacrifice without wounding our own souls. Tomorrow take the time to respect the veterans in your life. Reach out to them in gratitude and honor. I know I will.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."

Servant of the Bean

Greetings Dear Reader,

This past month our church opened a new venue to facilitate the outreach to the college campus and it is going well. It is astounding to me that amidst the beauty and grace of our new venue which is also a bar, that there is a complaint I have heard every week.

It seems that the venue decided not to serve coffee as is done at the primary church site. The intent is that we patronize the local coffee bars that surround our site. This, in my opinion, is excellent thinking. We get the opportunity to build relationships and show Christ’s love to a whole new set of people.

Still, every week I hear people complain that they are not getting the convenient free coffee. Every week someone returns from Starbucks with a negative comment about the walk or the cost. I wonder what it is that makes us so coffee focused. I love coffee. I do not have to have it to be happy and I can pass it by at will. It does; however, seem to be one of the vices that the church has embraced with abandon. Almost all of our social events include coffee in one way or another.

What is it that so easily deters our attention from the purpose of being gathered with other Christ followers? For our household I suggested that we not begin spending six dollars a week on coffee and I started making a fresh pot when I get up on Sunday morning. I consider that we can get served coffee occasionally but if we do it every week that is conservatively about $300 dollars annually for hot water passed through beans. From that perspective it just does not seem wise.

It also occurs to me that no one has privately stepped up to offer providing coffee for the church. There are people who attend who could. It just seems to me that putting such emphasis on coffee is not focusing on the main thing. If we have to have something to be at our best, then we are connected improperly to it. It is my understanding that I am not to be addicted to anything but God. I wonder what would happen if the leadership provided a sermon on the bean?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."

Unexpected Kindnesses

Greetings Dear Reader,

I like the movies. I like going to movies. My eldest Son says that I never dislike a movie. This is not true. The remake of Clash of the Titans was horrid. Now before you run off, this is not going to be a movie review, but rather a pondering on kindnesses I receive from people that make a difference.

Last week I had a three day weekend. On Friday I took Christmas to see a movie and on Saturday I took my younger Son, Bezel to see a different one. I almost always go to the same theatre and the staff knows me well. This is not just because I attend often but because I engage in polite conversation with them and often give them my review of whatever movie I have seen as I exit.

When my Son and I arrived everyone was dressed in Halloween costumes. The box offices were draped in fake spider webs. The manager at the box office perked up as we walked in and greeted us with a kind smile. As I handed over my money to pay for our tickets, it was politely refused. Instead the manager gave me a bright smile and said that the movie was a Halloween gift.

This past Friday I went to see the new Will Farrell movie, Megamind (I would caution that this is not really a children’s movie). As the credits rolled in the relative darkness a figure moving through the isle called my name. It was a former student who I care for deeply. I had not seen this student in over a year the reunion was warm and welcome.

Earlier in the week one of my fellow professors bought lunch for us all with no prompting. My campus director called me to tell me good news when he was in the midst of an important conference. Another friend reconnected with me just because he wanted to let me know how he was doing. A young friend John shared his home made movie with me giving me both laughter and delight (You can see this movie here. It is worth the view).

All of these kindnesses and more occurred in the space of only ten days. All during a week when I am struggling emotionally, God has put things in my path to remind me that he cares about me. This does not take into account the building aura of advent I feel, the anticipation of my Grandson’s arrival, or the amazing sun rise yesterday morning. Beautiful sunrises always make me think of my eldest Son. He knows why.

The beauty and grace of the world coupled with the constant presence of God in reminding through friends how much he cares for me has carried me through a rough sea. The storm is not over but I am sure the sails will hold and the course is still true. I am thankful to my friends and to God for the provision in my life. I hope you can see the same in yours. One really only has to look.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."

Imagined Smiles of those Unmet

Greetings Dear Reader,

Some dates and memories are unavoidable. As I travel the path toward Christ there are smiles I have never seen that encourage me along the way. Those smiles are bittersweet but so vital to some aspects of my journey. I have a sister and daughter that I have never held. I know of other children who have not seen their first year; children who were loved, wanted, and anticipated with joy.

At times others have questioned my love and memory of these children. At times I have made poor choices out of the pain of the losses. At times I have gone a day or two without thinking about them. The guilt of those times is often irrepressible. Most of the time, however, they are there, Will O’ The Wisps of unfulfilled dreams and memories unlived.

When I fail, I feel as much pain regarding them as I do my living children. When I succeed I wonder what they would say or feel in response to my victories. I probably not understand the loss of these children this side of the clearing but I do know that even in their absence they impact me.

When milestones and birthdays come I wonder and imagine. Sometimes I can see what might have been just beyond the edge of my peripheral vision. Sometimes I feel foolish and simple. Then the comfort comes. There is so much pain these little ones will never know. There is so much that will never harm them. That alone is reason enough to see God’s wisdom in choosing to keep them for his own.

I see the vast errors in my life and a small comfort is that there are some dear to my unharmed by them. I see the cancers that are eating our world and know they will not be harmed by them. This is the very grain of sand that irritates my faith. It is also the balm that sooths the irritation. I know so little about why God chooses to allow some hopes to become pain, but I know he is certain that his choices are for the best of all concerned. I cannot claim to be sure every moment, but on balance I trust that their absence is in best interest for them and for me.

Today I woke up missing them dearly and thought I would share them with you for a moment. Some of you have suffered the same or similar losses. Imagine with me for a moment the reassuring smiles of little ones who find their destiny to be that of never knowing anything but the loving presence of the Father.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."

A Journey of Diminishing

Greetings Dear Reader,

I often wonder what the external impact of time is changing internally in me. Parts of my mind wish to dwell on regret and waste today lamenting what I wish I had done differently yesterday. What a dangerous dark hole that pursuit is. I know that I feel a little slower this fall than I did last. My health is mostly good but time obviously has marked me and has set a fade rate.

In pondering these things and their relationship to pursuing only Christ, I have a few thoughts that I would share. I cannot focus on my health, my mobility, or my failures. I cannot look back and keep moving forward. The following of Christ is linear. The pursuit of Christ is one of the diminishing self.

I listen to some of those who are farther down the path than I. When I hear them dwell on their ailments, their lack of value, and their dissatisfaction with life, I do not hear them truly indulging in the richness that is to be found in following Christ. There are so many needs that could be addressed by those with time to do so.

As I move toward the other side of the hill and the path begins the descent into the long valley that leads to that final clearing, I must make a choice. I must choose to diminish in the proper ways. My Sons will become the young Turks who need to be firebrands for God. My Grandson and any future grandchildren (that is not a hint or pressure) will become my dotage.

I never consider retiring but if I find myself with more time to do as I please I hope that I use it to show Christ more clearly. I hope that my faith stretches into my health and hope for all that I do. I must also remember that every day is a gift. I must seek to eclipse myself so that others see Christ.

As I map out my goals for the rest of the journey, I must choose to be positive and let Christ be at the forefront of everything. Hopefully I can quietly walk the rest of the journey and those who come behind me will find makers I have left along the way that may the trail easier for them. It is my responsibility to diminish and leave only that which points to Christ. Hopefully when they get to the mile marker that is my last one, they will find that I have quietly faded into Christ leaving only a Cheshire moon to give them a little more light in the darkness.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."

The Vigil – Part 2

Greetings Dear Reader

Scanning the silence with inward ears; life is a listening.
Enfolded in echoes of timeless years; the Word comes whistling.
Build my being from your throat; meld my meaning with every note.
Wrap me round in an aural cloak, so I may truly hear. – Kemper Crabb

The metaphor here is also the meaning. So many have captured the significance of the image of Christ as the Living Word that perhaps I sometimes overlook just how central this is to all that I am. John begins his recounting of Jesus with this imagery, “In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God.”

This thought, that God’s ultimate word on redemption was his own Son, Jesus is astounding. Today is All Saints Day. I have spent the last month in pondering how I approach the Advent season. I shall spend this month examining words and listening. My Grandfather used to always remind me that I had two ears and one mouth for a reason. Some of the most significant conversations I have ever had involved me mostly listening. I know I have really made a difference when one of my students tells me that I have really listened.

In light of the import of this truth, I must listen more carefully as Advent approaches. I must hear what my family is saying about the ways in which they wish to celebrate. I must put aside my own wants to focus on the needs of others. I must let the conversation of reclamation give me cues as to the direction I must take.

Listening and planning a proper response is much more valuable that creating the perfect Christmas fantasy. Putting Christ’s love at the forefront of my approach requires that I listen. I must hear his intent and translate it to all that I do. I must truly hear the needs of my family and respond to that. As I move among my fellow man I must listen to the immediate needs that I can meet. In a life of listening; the cry of mankind is my business. I must place my determination to listen to how Christ wishes us to love others at the center of my celebration of Christmas and prepare for it in that spirit.

This does not mean that I will not hold an open house or get gifts for those I love. It does mean that I need to assure that it all echoes who Christ is in the midst of it. I will listen as I prepare. I must assure that those who speak feel heard. It is my obligation to hear others as I wish to be heard. It is my place to listen to what Christ says and not assume I know. I must focus on the words of God’s final Word on redemption. How can I truly celebrate the Son if I do not listen to what he has to say?

Life is a listening.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."