Admittedly, I haven't spent alot of time with Thor so I certainly won't deign to say I know Him well in any way. I did see Him frequently over the period of about a month, there were things I was learning and events that happened for which He was best. He came of His own accord and for that I was grateful. Grateful for His teachings, His concern over my welfare (just as He is concerned for all people), and for His gracious support one trying evening.
Skull Breaker ThorStorm clouds thunder Hammer breaking ground The shriek of the winds Roaring of a mighty God
Thor stomping and foaming Eyes a'rolling Hunting the thurse Keeping man's odal secure from churning Life from broken ground springs forth Thor's other promise of renewal A primal stallion in mare's heat hot surge The point of Thurisaz spewing out creation But he is more, mighty carrier of Molljner, Comforter with yellow flowers braided into his beard Moment of peace in the eye of the storm Fresh fertility new dawn after the rain Protector of man Defender Hefter of Mjollnir Skull-breaker Thor |
The Lesson of Thor
Thor is often considered simpleminded. I don't believe this. I just think he is incredibly, kindly direct. We as humans tend to want to believe there is always an ulterior purpose, something 'underneath', a hidden thought or meaning. I don't see Thor necessarily in that manner. His sheer directness surprises us by it's simplicity and that simplicity reveals a depth that is ever so rich.
During my month of Thor, coincidentally December, He taught me many things I am still working through, still discovering. There was one moment, however, that He revealed His power, His amazing grace with one movement and only a few spoken words. I have kept a journal- here is the passage cut from the pages:
"Then Thor took my hands and kneeled down in front of me. He looked as though he were crying and I was struck and confused by his emotion and he swore to ‘do my best to protect you’. I was confused and touched, not sure but I promised to do my best to honor him. ‘You will’ he said. And I know that is a promise I can keep, bringing honor can be done by my behavior and attitude towards him."
This simple action of Thor's, kneeling in front of me and saying six, simple words has remained with me as a pivotal moment. My journal does not at all express what I felt. I was more than confused and touched. I was Humbled with a capital H. To have a God kneel and promise to protect is an ultimately humbling, earth-shattering moment. It is not a moment where one feels great or powerful, stronger or better than others. It is a moment where one realizes just how great this God is. His action forced me to reckon with myself, consider my worth, my value. I had to see myself in my own smallness and then wonder at His grace. Thor is a defender of man, wielder of Mjollnir, and for He to do this meant that all men, even those as small and insignificant as I, are welcome under his care. I did nothing to deserve this of Him. I am only human with my mistakes, my misunderstandings, my foibles.
But that is precisely why Thor did this. Because I am only human.
Coincidentally, the next day I received a book I had ordered through the mail. The book lists Dec 16 (or the Thursday before Yule), as a feast day called Tunderman's night. The Yuletide fuel supply is brought in and a feast may be held. On this night it is recommended to feast to Thor and ask for His protection from the winter storms. This was the night of the Lesson of Thor. I didn't know enough to ask, my naivete, but He offered it anyway. Thor is a blessing to mankind, a gracious host to us all.
During my month of Thor, coincidentally December, He taught me many things I am still working through, still discovering. There was one moment, however, that He revealed His power, His amazing grace with one movement and only a few spoken words. I have kept a journal- here is the passage cut from the pages:
"Then Thor took my hands and kneeled down in front of me. He looked as though he were crying and I was struck and confused by his emotion and he swore to ‘do my best to protect you’. I was confused and touched, not sure but I promised to do my best to honor him. ‘You will’ he said. And I know that is a promise I can keep, bringing honor can be done by my behavior and attitude towards him."
This simple action of Thor's, kneeling in front of me and saying six, simple words has remained with me as a pivotal moment. My journal does not at all express what I felt. I was more than confused and touched. I was Humbled with a capital H. To have a God kneel and promise to protect is an ultimately humbling, earth-shattering moment. It is not a moment where one feels great or powerful, stronger or better than others. It is a moment where one realizes just how great this God is. His action forced me to reckon with myself, consider my worth, my value. I had to see myself in my own smallness and then wonder at His grace. Thor is a defender of man, wielder of Mjollnir, and for He to do this meant that all men, even those as small and insignificant as I, are welcome under his care. I did nothing to deserve this of Him. I am only human with my mistakes, my misunderstandings, my foibles.
But that is precisely why Thor did this. Because I am only human.
Coincidentally, the next day I received a book I had ordered through the mail. The book lists Dec 16 (or the Thursday before Yule), as a feast day called Tunderman's night. The Yuletide fuel supply is brought in and a feast may be held. On this night it is recommended to feast to Thor and ask for His protection from the winter storms. This was the night of the Lesson of Thor. I didn't know enough to ask, my naivete, but He offered it anyway. Thor is a blessing to mankind, a gracious host to us all.