Second Thoughts ~ Teachers

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.

Since it is Teacher Appreciation Day, I thought I would spend my second thought expressing some of that appreciation.  I will start with a general “thank you” to all who have labored over the years, both difficult and easy ones, to teach me.  I know that I was not always a good student both academically and socially.  Thank you for teaching me.

I would like to call out some of the teachers that mean the most to me.  I must start with my grade two teacher, Miss Smith.  I wish that I could tell her face to face how much she meant to me.,  You can read about her in Sheetrock on the Road.  She taught me that my words had power.

Miss Simms taught me that if I worked I could reason my way through almost anything.  Miss O’Conner instructed me in the difference between knowing versus being able to prove to others that I know.  Sister Eileen helped me see that my curiosity had great value.  Mr. Streib taught what a Bard was and that I could be one without compromising my faith.

Professor Myers taught me how to love teaching.  Professor Wulf made sure I knew how good I was at the craft.  Professor Johns handed me challenges that helped me see the world in a more balanced way.  Professor Farley taught me to love obscure knowledge and embrace dry humor.  Professor Williams rekindled my love of literature and puns.

Every teacher sacrifices something to embrace the calling to teach.  My decades as a teacher were the easiest work I have ever done.  It is those few students who take the time to truly say thank you that mean the most in later years.  It is my honor to attempt that tonight.  What teachers do you wish to thank 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 ͡°)

Gratitude ~ Single Serving Kindness

Greetings Dear Reader,

Single serving friendships are those encounters with service personnel or fellow travelers that are likely to be a one-time occurrence.  These over-the-counter encounters are opportunities to be kind to strangers.  I try to always treat these encounters as if I have reunited with a valued comrade.

I find it delightful when I enter this moment with someone of similar spirit.  This is exactly what occurred yesterday and I am very grateful.  I had to go to a local service clinic for a screening related to potential employment.  It is a walk-in procedure requiring neither and appointment nor advanced notice.

I have used this clinic before for drug testing required by my former employer.  The staff there is good but they seem very busy always.  When I arrived yesterday there easily were twenty people already waiting.  I signed in and found a comfortable place to sit and await my turn.

When my name was called I was greeted by Sue.  Her engaging smile immediately let me know that I would receive the kind of care I would want to give.  She made it clear from the first sentence she spoke that her goal was to treat me well.

When she showed me to my room for the procedure she took time to give me water.  She engaged in real conversation with me and showed genuine interest in me as a person.  Given the pace that she has to work this is a beautiful thing.

Even after I was finished she made time to show me out.  Her entire encounter with me was a single serving friendship I will cherish.  I am grateful for Sue and the moments of joy she infused into my life.  It reminds me what I must strive to always be and encouraged me to do it better.  It took me into the rest of my day determined to be kind, have grace, and show mercy.

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 ͡°)

Gratitude ~ 14 Years of Dependability

Greetings Dear Reader,

This week marks a change that is good but is also a loss.  For fourteen years I have spent my early morning time with a woman of quality.  No, I am not about to reveal a secret tryst or anything sordid.  My dear friend Christine Bellport is retiring from the morning news this week. 

Since she joined the Morning Show her combination of mirth and integrity have made my mornings richer and better informed.  She has a unique ability to balance true news, humor, and passion for her own causes.  Even though she is married to a State Senator she keeps things balanced in a remarkable manner.

Her Monday pet of the week reveals her compassion for all living things in a manner that is an example for us all.  So many dogs and cats have “forever homes” because of her dedication to this cause.  I am grateful for her love of all creatures.

Over the years Christine has shared so much of her life with us.  She has helped better understand our health through her honesty about hers.  The loss of her father helped us better understand grief and adjustment to it.  I am grateful for her trust building transparency.

I will miss her at Brat Fest this year.  Her engagement with those who came out to buy brats for Take your Brat to Work Day ranged from petting dogs to riding hogs (motorcycles).  She had a kind word for me every year.  I am grateful for the many ways she aided our community. 

The Morning Show will go on but it will never be the same after this week.  Christine has carried so much for all of us.  She has been there for us through grand times and shared grief.  She is a good friend and a person of quality.  I know I speak for many when I say she will be missed. 

As I write this the sun comes up earlier but it will not be as bright without the sunshine of her smile each day.  This Friday will be her final “Finally Friday”.  It is not wonder that the forecast is gloomy for us all.  We will suffer loss but she deserves to enjoy the mornings like the rest of us.  Blessings upon you as you begin your next adventure dear friend.

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 ͡°)

Gratitude ~ Nurses

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today is National Nurses Day.  My gratitude for nurses is cemented in events where I was in pain.  In every instance where I needed extended medical care it was the nurses who provided that care.

I broke my leg badly when I was in high school and had to have surgery.  The pain was intense and a nurse, Mrs. McCann stayed after her shift to comfort me.  She stayed with me overnight to feed me ice chips, whisper kind words, and pray for me.  Her kindness and grace did much to teach me the heart of compassion.

My friend Jan works overnight caring for people with long term needs.  She has done this for years.  When we met that kindness and compassion was evident even before I knew she was a nurse.  She always shows this compassion in her life. 

Vanessa is a woman who chose nursing and had to fight for her right to be one.  She works long shifts caring for those with emergent needs.  Her amazing light and heart bring others back from the brink of death.  Who she is focuses on life and turning death into a fighting chance to live.

We all know someone who is a nurse.  Take the time to show her or him gratitude.  Make and effort to exemplify the appreciation that nurses deserve.  They carry the burdens of our pain and provide care for us all.  They move through the day from patient to patient often without thanks or appreciation.

I am grateful for nurses and all that they do for us.  I want the world to be more aware of their needs and the honor they deserve.  “And some have compassion, making a 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 ͡°)

Second Thoughts ~ Avengers Infinity War

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.

NO SPOILERS YET

I successfully avoided spoilers when I was forced to wait a week to see the Avengers new movie.  My brother did offer that I would love Peter Dinklage in his role.  I will say no more than that prior to a spoiler alert.

What I will say is that this was an excellent film.  It is also long, so go easy on the 64 OZ Coke.  You may wish to make sure you have snacks if you drama-eat.  I would also choose a comfortable theatre.  The movie keeps building to the very end.

There is humor, tension, shock, and sadness.  It is a well told story filled with all of the right questions about what we value and why.  I would also recommend seeing it with someone.  You will have things to discuss afterward.  Please take care not to spoil it for anyone else.

SPOILERS FOLLOW:  YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

I find that the premise of this film raises many spiritual questions.  Given the vastness of the Marvel Universe there seems to be a question for me that is loudly begged.  Captain Rogers believes in the same God that I do as evidenced in the first Avengers movie.  That God, the God, is, however, left out of the story here.  Or is he?  

It seems to me that the ability of Thanos to destroy half of all lives in the universe is just a broader example of God allowing free will to play itself out.  In the end he snaps his fingers and kills half of all life.  There is even a web site (www.didthanoskill.me ) that will tell you if you were spared or killed.  For the record I survived.

If all sentient beings have free will and are subject to the nature of sin then it reasons that beings of great power would do evil on a cosmic scale.  It saddens but does not surprise me.  Ultimately, we are subject to the sovereignty of God.  We are free to do evil or good.  We all will face the same God that will judge us not on our deeds but our faith.

This story brings to light the potential of evil to prevail even in the presence of great good.  What it reminds me of is that ultimately good will win.  It does seem in Infinity War and in my world that good has lost for now but not, well, for good.

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 ͡°)

Gratitude ~ Technology 2

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things about technology that I vastly value is the internet.  The world of informant available with just a few keystrokes astounds and impresses.  The vast sea of music that can be experienced is beautiful.  The images of nature and the cosmos give one opportunity to experience more of the world than in any time in history.

The truth that exists in all things is there as well.  Rule 32 says that if one searches long enough one can find anything on the internet.  Unfortunately, as humans do with all things, there is Rule 34, “If it exists, there is also pornography or sexual content related to it.”  We have taken a vast field of information and seeded it with mines of things that are not healthy for us.

I realize that one may disagree with this but that is my position.  The dangers and abuses make me no less grateful for the available information, experiences, and learning.  This also brings me to the facet of gratitude that we so often avoid.  With the vast sea of knowledge available through the internet comes great responsibility. 

If we are truly to show our gratitude for things like this we must use them well. We must not abuse what they provide or use their provision to harm others.  We must not take it for granted.  I must not use it to waste time or indulge my baser self. 

I am grateful for the internet but I do not wish to miss the opportunity to evidence that gratitude by using what I am given responsibly.  The power is there.  It is vast and almost free.  It must only be used for good.  What are your thoughts 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 ͡°)

Gratitude ~ Learning

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday I was privileged to sit in a room filled with teachers the entire day.  The demographics alone were interesting.  There were easily eight different nationalities represented.  I heard at least five languages other than English.

The thing that triggered such gratitude in me was something much deeper.  I have spent most of my adult life as a teacher.  After writing it is my great passion.  It also seems that the path of my journey may be carrying me back to that for a time.

Learning is so important to understanding and living the journey.  As one who practices life-long learning deliberately, I am filled with joy when I am allowed to share that passion with others.  I spent a day learning with other professional learners.

It was thrilling to see the spark of the mind in each of them that draws us to seek and to know.  I was also keen to see how each person had something to contribute to enhancing the delivery of education.  I not only learned from our session leaders but from the others in the room.

I recalled teachers from my past who aided me as well.  It was delightful to remember those who mentored and influenced me to become the good things that I am.  I have been blessed with good teachers.  I wish honor them by being good at the craft; to pass along the blessings I have had by helping others learn.

I feel gratitude for all the ways in which I learn.  They are not always pleasant but the learning makes it worth it.  What learning experience have you had for which you are grateful 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 ͡°)

Gratitude ~ Thunderstorms

Greetings Dear Reader,

Just a week ago we were talking about cold and snow.  The last two nights have produced some beautiful thunderstorms.  I do not know if you share my thoughts on this but I am very grateful for thunderstorms.

They bring back memories of summers at the beach, seeing St. Elmo’s Fire in the rigging of a tall ship, and a terrified experience with ball lightning.  It brings a heightened awareness that I thoroughly enjoy.  I realize that for some people this is a fearsome thing and I respect that. 

I have heard the roll of thunder through mountains.  I have heard it echo and imagined dwarves playing nine pins.  I have seen a tree shattered by lightning.  I have taken cover in a park shelter whilst a storm raged around me.  I have seen a triple rainbow against a backdrop of starkly black and white clouds. 

The raw power of thunderstorms speaks to me of the immense potential power in the universe.  I see in it the power of my Creator and his fierce beauty.  As the storms passed through over the last two nights I chose to be thankful for them.  We need the rain and the storms confirm the arrival of warmer weather.

I do not seek God in the storm. It is evident that he is there.  I do acknowledge his power and creativity in giving us such an amazing light show.  I am grateful for the rain, the lighting, and the thunder.

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.”

Gratitude ~ Technology 1

Greetings Dear Reader,

Computers and technology have been companions to me most of my adult life.  I had a personal computer almost as soon as they were available.  I have not been without one since.  The same was true for a cell phone but I confess that early indulgence was foolish and prideful.  Even though they are a good tool now my bag phone was expensive and did not work well.

I have tempered my desire to be on the bleeding edge of technology but I am still an early adopter on practical things.  I always want the best and fastest computer I can afford but have learned to use the one I have until it is obsolete.  This is much wiser for my needs. 

The gratitude lies in the way in which computers have allowed me to produce and deliver my writing at a more accurate and efficient rate.  As I write this my computer is playing a movie for me, showing me the morning news, and tracking the thunderstorm moving through my morning. 

When I am writing a novel, I can dictate it.  This allows me to get the words out faster and keep the story telling feel that I love.  It also allows me to write when driving long distances alone.  Do not be alarmed.  I hook up the headset and face the screen away from me.  I tell the story whilst driving and edit it later. 

My home network will allow me to transfer my work for the day to my laptop with a couple of mouse clicks.  I carry in that laptop a complete backup of my writing and all the information I need to continue my current novel.  As a writer this is a great advantage for me.

This also makes me more accountable.  In the possibility of being able to write anywhere lies the obligation to do it.  I have been given a great gift in terms of technology.  It is my obligation to show my gratitude for technology by using it wisely.  I am truly grateful for the tools that allow me to work my craft more easily.  What aspects of technology are you grateful for 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 ͡°)

Gratitude ~ Friends

Greetings Dear Reader,

Beyond my family there are friends for whom I am quite grateful.  Some have been my friends for decades.  Others are new additions to that cadre and have become dear to me. 

I try to be friendly to everyone.  I enjoy those single serving friendships with clerks and service personnel.  I find joy in being kind to strangers.  This, however, is often a one-way exchange. 

The type of friendship that I am thinking of today is that rare kind of friendship where I can be genuine about everything.  It is the small circle of people with whom I can be honest about my struggles and fears.  They celebrate with me when there are triumphs.  They mourn with me when there is loss. There is opportunity to listen and be of help to them as well.

This journey is one of both solitude and companionship.  I must walk my path and that often requires more solitude than I desire.  Along the way there are friends that fall in step with me and help me stay that path.  They motivate, care, and sustain. 

I am so very grateful for these friends.  I will always try to live the gratitude I feel for them.  Moreover, I will try to live a life worthy of such precious people.  I will remember to thank the Father for them.  I must live out the gratitude I feel by striving always to be a better man.

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 ͡°)