Thus the Name

Ruminate: “To turn a matter over and over in the mind.”
Rumination: “The act of pondering; meditation.”
Aspire: “To strive toward an end.”
Aspiration: “A strong desire for high achievement.”
(Definitions selected from The American Heritage Dictionary)

Many seeds are planted in one’s education and upbringing. Some are fruitful while others turn out to be thorns and weeds. With age comes the opportunity for sober-minded reflection on one’s observations and experiences.

“Ruminations” carries with it an indication of the seriousness with which one should consider how to learn from past experiences and interpret current events. Yet, left alone, rumination can lead to a negative end – a combination of pessimism and frustration that may even devolve toward theories of conspiracy – a mindset that will not bear fruit to the benefit of self or others. “Aspirations” call us away from this potential pit to reach for better and higher ways. Foundational to maintaining such aspirations for an improved tomorrow is the worldview that springs forth from a proper recognition of God and the blessings that come when heeding His correction and guidance.

May we all beneficially ruminate and aspire.