Pastor's Devotions by Tim Harris

Last week, when Kim and I were visiting our son Jonathan and his family, we took a walk/small hike with Jonathan (who had his 11 month year old son, Caleb on his back) to and into a nature preserve near their home. To get there, we had to walk through the townhouse complex in which they live and, for a short bit, along the road. Once we got into the preserve, we followed the trails that were throughout—trails that were for the most part well-maintained. It was a really nice hike through the woods, up and over some small hills, across a hanging bridge, and along a small lake.  To get back home, Jonathan suggested that we take a different route that would lead along a creek and right to his backyard. I’m not sure we made the best decision when we said yes to his suggestion!  All was fine at first, but once we got out of the preserve proper, and since the “trail” in that part of the woods is not really maintained, we found ourselves walking through high brush and grass. After all...

Last week, our daughter Joanna received her Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology. After five years of study, she was hooded and given her diploma. And now this week, the same is taking place for Joanna’s husband Daniel as he receives his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. So, by the end of this week they will officially be, Dr. and Dr. Zakzewski!  They are now a husband, a wife, and two doctors!  What’s most amazing to me is that they began their degree work at the same time and have finished at the same time—and at two different schools. Unlike many other students who hope to finish their doctoral work in five years, but often spend at least another year working on their dissertations, Joanna and Daniel each completed their degree work within the five years originally planned. (And part way through their first year, were married!) It’s not too often that a married couple both begins their doctoral work at the same time and completes it at the same time.  But here ...

I know that this weekend is Mother’s Day, but on this weekend I can’t help but also think about my dad. You see, since his birthday was May 10, it was always very close to Mother’s Day. In fact, some years his birthday actually fell on Mother’s Day. And it was eleven years ago this week that my dad passed away on May 7, 2014. We then buried him on May 10, on what would have been his 86th birthday (which like this year, fell on a Saturday).  So on this weekend, although I’m remembering my mom whom I loved very much and who passed away in 2017, I’m also thinking a lot about my dad.    That's me with my mom and dad - 1960  Like any of us who have lost a parent, there are times when I wish we could still talk to each other. Sometimes, I instinctually reach for the phone thinking I can give him a call to tell him about something that has happened in my life. Most of the time, we would talk about our cars, repairs around the house, or a Yankee game. Once I had kids, I woul...

I’m always a bit jealous of those guys (and ladies) who are, what we call, “good with their hands.” They can build things, fix things, create things. I know some guys who can build a table or deck, remodel a kitchen, and fix just about anything that breaks. They have skills, both natural and learned to do whatever may need  be done around the house, to help others, or make a living.  And they often use those skills to bless other people’s lives.  When I see what some of these guys can accomplish with their hands, it makes me wish I had developed some of their skills myself somewhere along the way. But I didn’t. That means, I am often dependent on others to help me get certain things done around then house—which at times mean paying someone to do what I wish I could do on my own.  At times I may try to fix something or accomplish a task on my own, only to become frustrated or hit a dead end and then have to call someone in to help me—or even undo the mess I’ve made. (...