Freedom ~ Commitment

Greetings Dear Reader,

I wonder if we truly understand the nature of commitment.  When I make a commitment I am giving up a piece of my freedom.  This is why it needs to be voluntary and fully reasoned.  When I choose to give my word on something then I must not think that I am free to do as I wish.

Our society, including me, does not always see this as clearly as it should.  I have worked hard to become someone who does what he says he will do.  It is not a little thing to fail at this even in little things.  I am not speaking of implied consent or unjust expectations of others.  My only concern is with the things we say that we do not do.

My friend Tina recently asked for regular prayer for a new situation that is challenging her experience and comfort.  I told her I would pray for her.  I put my favorite picture of her in a place where I see it daily so that I remember to pray for her needs.  Too often we tell others we will support them and we fail to do it.

It is too easy to say we will do something small and forget about it in the next moment.  It is too common to make big commitments and abandon them when it gets hard to keep them.  If I cannot fulfill something I must not commit to it. 

It is damaging to the fabric of who we are to think that once we have committed to something that we are free to do otherwise.  When I commit to something I give up my freedom to choose what to do.  I may appeal if circumstances change.  I may even ask to be released from my commitment.   My heart, however, must be focused on committing only to things that I can do and then doing them with all my ability. 

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 ͡°)

Freedom ~ Choice

Greetings Dear Reader,

I feel I need to draw the distinction between will and choice.  I can make choices as an act of will.  It is not logical to proceed that choices are forced upon us.  We may be forced to choose but there is always a right choice. 

The right choice may seem impossible or un-doable but we still can choose it.  We are responsible for all our choices.  We may be the “victim” of the consequences of another’s choice.  We are still able to choose our response.  The freedom to choose comes with the great responsibility of the consequences of our choices. 

No one believes when a man abusing his wife says, “look what YOU made me have to do.”  It is always his choice to abuse her.  It is always wrong to do it.  Instead of taking responsibility for our choices we try to mitigate them.  We may say, “I did not have a choice.”  There is always a choice.  We are always responsible for those choices. 

I have made poor choices and poor excuses for those choices.  The freedom to choose means that I must choose what is right no matter the personal cost.  I can provide all the situational justification I wish but that is not truth.  Truth is that I can choose.  I do choose.  In following Christ I must always use my will to choose what is right.

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 ͡°)

Second Thoughts – OM: Meditations on Naan

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

"You OM away from home"

My Daughter Christmas and I made a Naan scheduled stop for a lunch buffet at an excellent Indian Fusion Restaurant.  The establishment, on Madison’s east side is called OM (pronounced like the OM in home {this matters}.  When I first heard about it a year ago I was Naan-plused.  I like Indian food but am also very picky about what I enjoy.

I chose to go the first time with my Son, Maxim.  He seemed to like it and I take a Naan-chalant approach to trying new eating establishments.  The interior is simple and Naan-descript in a pleasing way.  One can tell from entering that the focus is on the food and not Naan-essentials. 

The owners Nancy and Sumanth Viswanathan are friendly and welcoming.  They make the time even when the venue is very busy to personally greet each diner and follow up during the meal.  I have eaten in many places with good food where the proprietors were Naan-committal in their approach to knowing the customer.   Nancy and Sumanth not only remembered me but asked where my Son was the second time I visited. 

Their Naan-wasteful approach is evidenced in the use of unbreakable stainless-steel dinner ware.  The shiny plates instantly reflect a green approach to thriftiness and cleanliness that is Naan-eclipsed.  One cannot fake a clean stainless-steel plate or cup.

This is a Naan-paid effort to inform others of an excellent eatery where the food is amazing and the owners are even better.  Whether you enjoy the buffet or order from the extensive menu you will be Naan-disappointed.  OM also offers delivery.  Whatever you try, be sure to get extra servings of their Naan.  It is the best I have ever had.

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 ͡°)

Freedom ~ Will

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things that amazes me about humans is free will.  We exercise it and hide at will.  We choose not to choose or we demand choice. 

For those who think that everything is predetermined I would submit the simple argument that foreknowledge does not equal predetermination.  That, however, is a different discussion.  I proceed from the assumption that we are created with free will.  If one does not believe that we are created then there is surly no argument against us having the power to choose.

The thing that hangs us up is consequences.  We either deny or wish to avoid consequences.  I have a friend, that when faced with the consequences of choices says quite petulantly, “I don’t want there to be consequences.  The difficulty is that things follow in sequence.  That is the way the universe works.

We are free to choose.  We have free will.  Every choice has a consequence.  I was recently in a situation where I was being treated unjustly but wished to still mitigate some of the fallout for others.  The person in charge of the situation looked me in the eye and said, “There need to be consequences and they need to see them.”  He could not mitigate the injustice to me but was determined that things should fall out as they would.

I need to accept that in every choice I make I am accepting the results of that choice.  I choose to follow Christ because I believe that is the best outcome for life.  I choose to love others because the consequences of unconditional love are good even when they seem late from my perspective.  We are supposed to live in the moment with the long view.  I find that I can only do that if I consider the consequences of exercising my will.

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 ͡°)

Freedom ~ Speech

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I sat in the baseball park yesterday celebrating Independence Day with my family I took in the cacophony of ballpark noises.  There is never a moment as silent as when the opposing team hits a home run. 

The difficulty at a baseball game where you have young children present is the first amendment.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Whilst I sat there with my Grandsons the guy an isle to my right felt it was a good thing to berate the umpire with anger and foul language.  There were wee ones all around him and he was untouched by the disapproving glances from surrounding parents.

He is free to say pretty much anything he wants at a baseball game.  The problem is that in saying “any silly thing he wants” is that he neglects that he has a responsibility for how his words infect the innocent in our society.  His larger fueled tirade is unfortunately accepted at baseball games, however, reluctantly.   

The right to free speech comes with great responsibility.  It comes with the understanding that words have power.  They can do great damage.  Once spoken words cannot be called back.  “I take it back” does not work.  It does not un-ring the bell.

Jesus assures me that I will give account for every idle word I speak.  I have the freedom to say anything but it does not absolve me of responsibility for everything I say.  I must consider every word and who those words impact. 

Who hears me and what I say will need context.  I must have a life of kind speech good words that are the backdrop to moments when I am not understood.  It must be the river of responsible real words on which the leaf of momentary lapse floats.

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 ͡°)

Freedom ~ Independence

Greetings Dear Reader,

I wonder if we truly understand the meaning of independence.   It is the freedom from outside control.  It is not being dependent on something from the outside for one’s livelihood, direction, or sustenance. 

It has been two hundred and forty-one years since we declared that we were an independent nation.  I wonder if we are.  If the whole is the sum of the parts I think that we may not be.  If we honestly look at our global dependence on offshore products then we may not be independent.

We are not ruled by other nations.  We are, however, in debt to them.  We are dependent on products they produce.  We would suffer were these things to become critical. 

I am not saying that foreign trade is bad.  I think that debt to any other nation or entity is unwise.  I think that dependence on the trade for our well being is not a good thing.  This country is based on freedom.  If we are in debt and dependence on other nations then we may not be truly free.

This also extrapolates to the individual.  We are dependent on our own government for so much.  Some of it is effort for the common good.  Some of it is support of programs or efforts are not commonly good. 

We cannot claim that we are independent if we do not put into the process that we count on for our sustenance.  If we take out more than we put in then someone else has to make up the difference. 

We need to depend on each other.  We must also always do our part.  We have to have some measure of inter-dependence to function as a society.  We must care for each other.  It is a vital requirement of the Gospel. 

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 ͡°)

Freedom ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I wonder if our understanding of freedom is properly aligned.   Do we really understand what it means to be free?  I think that freedom has many facets and that those facets link together in a matrix that is true freedom.  I also think that we overlap those facets in an unhealthy way.

I want to ponder this as we celebrate Independence Day.  I want to be sure that I use freedom wisely.  The freedom we think of as American freedom came a very high price.  I am sure that in many ways we squander it.   It is not the only kind of freedom, however.

When we exercise a freedom we take on responsibility.  It is the other side of every coin of freedom.  There is always responsibility.  There is always a price.  If we do not shoulder the responsibility the price can be higher.  It can be forced to be paid by others.

This journey has great freedom in it.  It also has great responsibility.  Walk in freedom with me for a bit as we discuss our responsibilities Dear Reader.  As always I value your thoughts.

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 ͡°)

The War of Indifference ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Vigilance is the key to the war on indifference.  I must always be aware that embracing indifference can harm others.  It can hinder my faith.  It will cause others to see my faith as empty.

I cannot be indifferent to the needs of others.  If I do then I am not living the faith that I profess.  I am not following Christ.  The evidence of my faith in the eyes of men is my care for others.  It is the working out of compassion and love in the name of Christ.

Indifference is the wolf always at the door.  Wisdom and vigilance must always be my weapons.  In short I must always wage war on indifference.  It is not optional if I am to follow Christ 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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts – Summer Singles

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

I am just coming off a perfect evening.  It was spent at a real baseball game with both my Sons and my Daughter.  The afternoon was sunny but cool.  The game was exciting and our team prevailed. 

What was the best was watching my Children interact.  They laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed the game as well.  It was an oasis; a perfect moment.  I have learned to cherish these for what they are.  Jewels along the journey that are glimpses of what is to come.  Harmonies in the universal song that will one day be set right carry us to hope and anticipation.

I love my Children so deeply.  As I close this first day of July must will change before the boys of summer finishes their rounds.  We will gather for another game on Tuesday with more family and less interaction.  Together with each other will not be the focus.  The Grandson will. 

For now, I will bask in the growing twilight as fireworks trace the sky and the American past time delivers once again.  My love of baseball is deeply connected to my love of family.  Take me out to a ballgame with family any time you want to remind me about God, freedom, and love.  Thank you Maxim, Bezel, and Christmas.

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 ͡°)

The War of Indifference ~ Unfortunate Events

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things that pushes me to be indifferent is when things go wrong.  I have seen so many things for which I gave my heart shatter that I feel a strong response toward indifference.  I realize it is a wrong attempt at self-preservation.

When these events occur l feel the losses and failures from the past reasserting their opinion that I am a fool.  I hear Avalon telling me that I am “not a good deal on paper,” as a reason for leaving me.  My fallen nature calls for me to sink into a hole of despair.

Then there is memory, wisdom, and faith.  I remember that I have survived every other unfortunate event I have encountered.  Some of them should have taken my life.  I have scars and those unpleasant memories but I also have the good things that have come after the pain.

Wisdom shows me that indifference never works out.  I am a caring soul.  I am designed to love others.  I am never the only one impacted by unfortunate events.  I am promised by the Father that I will not be given more than I can endure.  If I give in to indifference I am ignoring wisdom and failing to follow the Son.

I must recall that my faith is just for times like this.  My faith has seen me through turbulent, painful, and dangerous times.  It is a shield against the aforementioned attacks both current and remembered. Faith is to be my strong companion in all things.  It is useless if it does not work now.

Faith is the substance of things that we hope for.  It is the evidence of that which is unseen.  Without it I cannot please the Father.  In any series of unfortunate events it faith that will carry me through.

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 ͡°)