Head-dibs

The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) took time to record with gratitude the wisdom received from significant individuals in his life ( see previous post ). A reader should be challenged to consider “who” has contributed “what” in one’s own life when reading similar matter as that found in in “The Meditations.”  Marcus Aurelius does not merely give a roster of people and things, but creates a kind of an album where the reader gets a real sense of who these people were by their imparted wisdom. They seem almost familiar. There is also a kind of praise for the people he apparently admires. He heard their words, saw how they lived and was influenced by them. What follows is a summative outline of The Emperor’s list (as I understand it) emphasizing wherever possible the shared wisdom and/or how life principles were modeled in such a way that impacted him. As you skim the list, be aware if you are suddenly reminded of ways someone who invested in you, directly or indire...

You don't know what you're missing if you don't get outside once in a while. While enjoying this beautiful day on a short 3 1/2 mile hike, I decided to leave my music off and enjoy the sounds of nature as well as the sights. I got more than expected. The frost was just burning off as I stepped out, trekked up the street and turned left out of our neighborhood where I was greeted by the distinct sound of hunters punctuating the morning song of chirping birds. About a quarter mile down the road I reached the spot where I recalled how I once found the keyboard of a destroyed upright piano someone had dumped just off the road. And a broken toilet a few yards further back into the trees (more evident when the leaves have fallen). While my anger at the apathy of "some people" began to rise, I became aware of many unusual sights and sounds that exist just outside the front door. Perhaps the most unusual sight was the 50 year old man trudging into the morning wea...

Marcus Aurelius ruled Rome from 161 to 180 AD, first as co-emperor with Lucius Verus from 161-169, then alone until joined by his son from 177 until his death while on a Austrian campaign in 180 AD. He is known as one of the “Five Good Emperors”, the “protector of philosophy” and a prime example of Stoic leadership. Marcus Aurelius should also be our model for gratitude this Thanksgiving. This time of year we pause to say “thanks” and in some manner privately review with gratitude those things we are blessed to have, or in some public way share these thoughts with others. As we give thanks this year, let us be challenged with a couple truths. First, where does our gratitude go? That which receives our gratitude must either be personal or impersonal. What does an impersonal Universe to do with our gratitude? What is the point when our thoughts stay locked in our heads (privately) or our squeaky little voices cannot be heard above a tree top (publicly)? “Well,” someone might offer...

copyright: JWilson, taken on the campus of Columbia International University

"He who does not know what the world is, does not know where he is. And he who does not know for what purpose the world exists, does not know who he is, nor what the world is. But he who has failed in any one of these things could not even say for what purpose he exists himself. What then do you think of him who [avoids or] seeks the praise of those who applaud, of men who know not either where they are or who they are?"   (Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations," VIII: 52) We become so "specialized" (for lack of a better word) in how we live and work that we give no thought to the world around us. We are so locked into being in a certain place to meet certain people at a certain time for a certain duration to accomplish a certain purpose that we have no reason to look around. We don't hunt or farm because we have no reason to--we just pick up meat and potatoes from the store. We have no reason to get in the dirt, to note the flora and fauna. The payoff?...

credit: Lifehack Today I was challenged with the question as to how I interact with culture: Am I a "cultural engager," a "cultural defender," or a "cultural creator"? I must say, "yes," as I do not fall into any one category. Then I met a new (to me) American philosopher through a daily e-mail, who comments on the writings of Marcus Aurelius: “Few care now about the marches and counter marches of the Roman commanders. What the centuries have clung to is a notebook of thoughts by a man whose real life was largely unknown who put down in the midnight dimness of not the events of the day or the plans of the morrow, but something of far more permanent interest, the ideals and aspirations that a rare spirit lived by.” This short quote challenges me to: deepen my current practice of journaling; specifically, to return to "dialogue" with authors I read;  seek out more of Blanshard's work on the basis of his stance regardi...

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness…” (Psalm 45:6) We’ve often heard about “Air Force One” and many Americans know that The President on occasion travels by jet referred to as “Air Force One.” Ever wonder about the planes that make up the fleet? Teddy Roosevelt was the first President to fly in a plane in 1910 (Taft was actually in office) but the call sign “Air Force One” was not created until the late 1950’s, when travel became more widespread. Technically, any Air Force plane carrying the President is called “Air Force One” although specific planes are set apart for this purpose. I use this as an example to illustrate the difference between a “stool,” a “seat”, and a “throne.” The Hebrew word for all three is the same word כִּסֵּא (kicce'). But how do we tell the difference? For starters, we can watch for where the King sits and wherever He sits changes the meaning of the device. A stool remains a stool unt...

"Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you." (Psalm 45:5) This love song penned by the Sons of Korah gush from the heart to the pen to the page, lavishing adoration for this glorious and beautiful King and his stunning bride. The last few days we’ve been trying to wrap our minds around the glory of this magnificent King, His most notable feature being that He makes Himself enjoyable to everyone who receives the graces He extends; otherwise, they make themselves His enemy and they experience Him in less enjoyable ways. Who are the King’s enemies? Those who chose to live against His kingdom of grace, of truth and humility and rightness. The king’s enemies receive justice as they chose to reject His standard for their own. They cannot enjoy the benefits of His Kingdom and be hostile to His grace. But what is an arrow? Are they literal arrows? Could they perhaps be something else? There’s another passage that may help us answer ...

“…let your right hand teach you awesome deeds." (Psalm 45:4c) Intriguing little phrase here concerning the “right hand.” Does one’s right hand actually, literally teach, as if it were an autonomous being all it’s own. What does this mean? The “right hand” (יָמִין) (pronounced “yä·mēn'”) is the place of honor (seat of His Queen) and friends of the Kingdom. Does this mean this spectacular and mighty King seeks advisement? A king finds glory in exploring matters (Prov. 25:2), to draw from the wise counsel of others. But might there be another consideration? The language lends to the idea of the King showing off His mighty works. The word “teach” (יָרָה)  (pronounced "yarah") includes the idea of “rain down, throw, dispense, shoot, cast, point out, instruct.” Picture this dashing spectacular King riding out giving grace to all who will receive it, The Champion of His cause of Truth, Humility and Right. What a display of power under control! How impressive! His ...

“In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness . . ."  (Psa 45:4) Those who live for a cause, those who live “on purpose” are a force not to be reckoned with. Borrowing an analogy from the shooting range, they are “front sight focused.” Eyes on target. No matter what comes, the center of attention is laser-beam focused on the one goal. Fully aware of what’s happening on all sides, the one who lives “on purpose” keeps the objective. Nothing gets in the way. Those who live without cause, without purpose, without “front-sight focus” are without direction, without foundation. They are without strength, taken captive, plundered. The past few days we’ve been considering the love song which is Psalm 45. Right out the gate we meet a marvelous and majestic king riding out victoriously, with sword on his thigh. He is out to champion His cause, His Purpose: He is victorious for the cause of Truth. Think about this: an estimated 65 perce...

Taking a break from the theme so far this month, I wanted to stop and say thanks to every person who stands in the gap, and remember those who lay down their lives. Read more about Operation Hump  (November 5-9, 1965) "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

A couple months ago a very good friend stood with me on the roof of a hotel in downtown Charleston, SC where he pointed out features concerning the old city that remain preserved to this day. One historical feature remains in plain sight--no building is higher than a church steeple in Charleston. One reason for this is to preserve the old (literal) landmarks that ships used to navigate--the church steeples. Higher buildings obscure the view! Walking to one side of the restaurant, my friend pointed down to what seemed to be a church; in fact, the building once was a church but is now a restaurant called “5Church Charleston”. He told us to visit there sometime, for there we will find Sun Tzu’s entire “Art of War” painted on the ceiling. We’ve not yet made the visit, but my friend knew of my interest in the ancient work. Nobody knows exactly when Sun Tzu was born, but scholars generally say he lived sometime between 720 years to 480 years before Christ. A military strategist himself...

“Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty.” (Psalm 45:3) It’s no secret--He’s beautiful, most fair, not in appearance alone but because words of grace fall from his lips and in turn, share the grace of God to all who will receive it. Hard to wrap our minds around the fact that some will not receive the blessing of God, that they will not receive grace, that they despise His beauty. He is doing everything to make Himself enjoyable to every being, but some will not have Him. If they will receive the blessing of grace of His lips, they will receive the girded sword on his thigh. Ever flip through a photo album and come across a picture that makes you stop and think, “well that’s interesting” and you spend time dwelling on that picture trying to take in everything you see, perhaps trying to resurrect a connected memory? Here’s a picture of some very strange, perhaps even hideous creatures before the throne of God. Notice their response to true beaut...

The patron saint of motorcyclists happens to be Columbanus (ca. 543-615 AD). You know what a “patron saint” is, don’t you? A patron saint is (simply put) the special protector, the heavenly advocate of anything important to us. “Recently, the popes have named patron saints but patrons can be chosen by other individuals or groups as well. Patron saints are often chosen today because an interest, talent, or event in their lives overlaps with the special area.” ( The Catholic Encyclopedia ). Maybe you’ve heard (or prayed): “Columbanus be my guide,  as I climb upon my ride Let your halo light the way,  keep me safe from harm today Find a peaceful sunny place,  and let it shine upon my face Keep the clouds and rain at bay,  and keep me dry throughout the day Watch over those who ride with me,  keep them safe and close to thee Keep my wheels upon the ground,  so I'll return home safe and sound Should disaster be my fate,  guide...

"You are the most handsome of the sons of men…" (Psalm 45:2a, ESV) Who is the most handsome man you can think of? Let’s see. I can’t think of any of . . .oh yes: James Dean, Brad Pitt, Cary Grant, Myself, Dave Grohl, Jared Leto, Tim McGraw . . . and Myself.  No really, of all the handsome faces out there, I know of someone more handsome yet. We are not told the identity of the King in Psalm 45. Some think this was King David. Prior to his coronation as king, David was described as “ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome” (1 Sam 16:12, ESV). Others suggest it might be David’s son, King Solomon. Interestingly, there is no description of Solomon other than being the wisest and wealthiest king in Israel; however, the word “handsome” used is our psalm is found in another love song written by Solomon, where a bride sings of her lover--does he describe himself? "My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand. His head is the finest gold; ...

"My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe." (Psalm 45:1) When you write a letter, how do you begin? “Dear . . .” Do you write your Mom or Dad (you do write your Mom, or at least call, right?) in the same way you would your boss or a judge or a Congressman--or the President? Seems the higher up the ladder you go, the more language seems to change--or it should. Of course you should always give Mom the highest respect, right? There is respect . . . right? This musician could have one day said, “Check out this new song I wrote on the way to the palace” (or something like that). But he doesn’t. He puts pen to paper and pours this love song onto vellum or parchment, etching the song into a permanent form. So permanent, it’s been on record (pun intended) for thousands of years. Remember how the song is also addressed to lead singers everywhere--so this song can be played by anyone who knows the ...

A number of years ago I worked a job that involved oil tanker trucks. Loading and unloading these tankers was a challenge. One wrong measurement, one wrong move could lead to a gusher--either overfilling the truck or a back-flow from the main tank, or even overfilling the main tank--an uphill battle involving hundreds of thousands of gallons pushing down with gravity’s help, trying all at once to get out. Once, we had the fine occasion of hooking a full truck to the pump for an off-load and one tiny little clamp was not fastened down on the coupler--any guesses as to what happened? Anyone? At first all we did was soak in the rain of oil, trying to understand what was happening. Then we ran through the black deluge, yelling at each other, coordinating our efforts until the geyser could be contained. When the valve was finally closed and the spray ceased, all we could do was breathlessly take in the scene--dripping oil everywhere. The entire operation was shut down until we could ge...

Ever had one of those moments when you found yourself scrambling for paper and pen because something came to mind you did not want to forget? Not just any “something” but you needed to capture a thought that excited you so terribly that perhaps in your fervor to “get it down” you raised a curious alarm to those around you? “Just give me something!” you scream as you frantically try not lose the light of the epiphany. That’s the scenario that comes to mind when I read, “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.” (Psalm 45:1) Who is this scribe? What verses are about to burst from his heart? All the words are on the tip of his tongue and he must get them down lest he swallow them by accident! First understand that this song is a “maskil”, the Hebrew word describing one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and won’t leave. It’s a song that makes you think because there is wisdom hidden within. If y...