This post is related to the last one, which is why I have not changed the picture, but here I begin to highlight the side of knighthood I did not touch on last time. I have spoken many times, now, of how knighthood is the highest honor than can be bestowed upon a fighter, and how to become a knight, one needs not only skill, but also courage, leadership, and chivalry...but the other hand says that skill is what also separates a good, chivalrous man from a knight. Knights are good, yes, honorable, of course, humble, mostly, but they are also WARRIORS.
::sigh:: This is going to be one of those times where I voice my opinion that technology (except in the fields of medicine and sanitation) should have stopped with the bicycle. If I did not believe that God doesn't make mistakes, I would believe wholeheartedly that I was born 800 years too late. Of course, I acknowledge that had I been born back then, not only would I most likely been born to the poor representative of the majority of the medieval population, the serf, but my life expectancy would have dropped drastically. If that had been the case, assuming I lived to the age of sixteen, I think I would have simply taken my bow and a knife and run; just faded into the forest and tried to live out my life in blissful avoidance of capture because I would be breaking the king's Forest Law.
Now, let's assume that I had been born into a higher class. Now, I think about what I would have been taught: how to manage property, how to ride properly, how to dance...and how to fight. At the very least, with a sword and shield, but also probably with spear, knife, and axe. I would have learned how to throw my weapons, if needed, I would have learned battle tactics, and how to lead men, and how to repair my own armor...this is sounding familiar...
Oh THAT'S right! I learn this stuff on most weekends anyway. The SCA has taught me many things, and a lot of them span time to apply in my life now: things like humility, among others. Of course, the more enjoyable skills I now possess are almost completely useless in the modern context. I can shoot straight, throw well, fix armor passably, ride enthusiastically and fight tolerably, but...who needs it, these days?
I briefly considered a career in the military before understanding that it was not my calling. I would have enjoyed what I was being taught, if not the teaching process. Every boy daydreams of being a hero. The Marines call themselves (and I believe them) the greatest warriors on Earth. Who WOULDN'T want to be called one of them?! The modern Spartans! But that's not for me.
Makes me wonder what I AM meant for. I am certain God has a plan. I just wish I knew what it was that I need this kind of knowledge for it. Any ideas, anyone?
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Actually I can see you as a Marine Officer bobby...you have that muster within you...just the question is...do you have that mettle. The Marines are the greatest fighting force, but they are also the smallest. Totaling just over 150,000 Active and Researved units, Enlisted and Officers.
First of all, I would consider you a LUCKY man to be in such a time period (AND COUNTRY) that ALLOWS such freedom... and lifespan.
Secondly, being a hero and a knight is more than skill, but attitude and heart (both of which you have). You know this.
And all these what if's only hinder the what will's... the future.
History (the past) is full of more than daydream-ish ideas of what it might have been like. Saying you would rather be born then, is like saying you are discontent your life, now... and with God's plan for your life. Do you really want to question our all-knowing, all-loving Author?
Honestly, technology is more than a flat screen and wireless connections... you know this. I like the modern technology that saves us from an early grave, or a toothless grin (even if a visit to the dentist's office is many of our recurring nightmares). But aside from my tangent...!
What makes you say your skills are NOT needed in this world? And what makes you think you're NOT cut out for the military?
To know what God has planned for you, there's one big book with a lifetime worth of wisdom that tells you EXACTLY what He has for you... and anyone willing to listen and learn... *pointing at myself* would do well to read it, as much as we can, if we truly desire the BEST for us. No matter what ends up becoming of our lives... it's not so much WHAT we do, it's HOW we do it.
He asks us to be content in EVERYTHING; the time we are given, the time we are placed in, and all the encompassed gifts therein.
Life is a gift, that's why we call it the present... ^_~ Cliché but true… how ironic that something so true should be so often mentioned.
In order to truly be thankful for our gift (and the gifts within the present), it would behoove us all to "carpe donum." No I don’t take Latin, but I’d like to… and yes, I know the correct phrase. I like this one better.
ANYWAY, this comment is a duo comment, since your post was basically a part-deux of “Return to Chivalry.” I’m really no good at leaving short comments.
So, yeah… that’s what I think.
But to add question to comment… how do you listen? This is an answer that I seek, too. I figure if I can find out how others listen (and if it works for them), I can learn from their example.
So… How do we hear the still small voice… the direction of our Revered Romancer? He leads us in the dance, but are we following? Or are we too stubborn, and try to lead… I think making up the steps as I go makes me look like a sloppy dancer, and makes me look like the novice that I am.
Pride and egotism roots itself deeper into our lives than we initially think, and pulling up the roots (rather than just pruning) can be more painful than we like to endure… and only some of us are true masochists. I speak of our futile attempts of making our lives turn out the way WE think they should go, and HOW we go about doing what we do… every little activity in the day, from stalling at homework, to resenting our jobs, to putting off reading the Ultimate Truth like it’s air to our soul’s lungs.
It’s all the little things that make up one big (and short but sweet) life. How do we do them? Half-assed? Resentfully? Or with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength?
I wish I were better at taking my own advice… but that’s why I’m glad for technology. I couldn’t write this much by hand without having to stop… and usually if I stop, I lose inspiration and motivation… and I like that God uses my own words to speak to me. So I’m looking in the mirror. Ooh! More inspiration! Gotta go!
Why do I feel like Little Girl Blue is Lanelle....
Very good and very inspirational
Everyone has a purpose, but it's one of the hardest parts of life to figure out JUST WHAT that purpose is! Bobby, you need to remember that God has given you a heart for a time that is no more. You were not born too early. Instead, you are taking the values of an older era and transposing all that was good about it into the here and now. Mankind needs chivalry now more than ever before. Who's going to teach us that? The world now is so wrapped up in the pursuit of sex and money that they cannot even fathom higher virtues and values. Only a very few people are left that can see all that is missing. You are needed, Bobby. We need you to be a guide for us, so that we can see all that chivalry can offer the world. If you had been born in the Middle Ages, you would have been one of thousands, millions who all knew and believed the same thing. Your lesson would have been lost. Now, you are one of billions, and you are one of the few that can be a light. Don't spurn that chance. You belong to a very few people that believe in lives having a higher calling, a higher purpose. It is your responsibility to share that passion to the world. That's why I write, you know. I believe that I've been given the abilities to enter worlds and see things that not everybody can. It is my duty to share that joy with as many people as I can. Let that be your creed as well.
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