Pastor's Devotions by Tim Harris

Beginning in junior high school, I began to study Spanish. Thankfully, through the years, I’ve had opportunities to grow in my ability to speak and understand the language as I’ve been surrounded by Spanish-speakers for most of my life. Of course, my time spent in Nicaragua really forced me to learn the language better.  (Believe me, however, my Spanish is not great!) In recent years, I’ve tried to learn some Brazilian Portuguese. Using apps such as Duolingo and Babbel, as well as having Portuguese-speakers around me,  I’ve taken the opportunity to learn at least some basic words and greetings. It’s not easy, but I do love the ability to greet my Spanish-speaking and Brazilian friends in their own language. Unfortunately, I know I will never be fluent in either Spanish or Portuguese.   The most important thing about language is that it gives us the ability to communicate with one another. As we learn each other’s language our ability to share thoughts, feelings, fact...

Have you ever been in conversation with someone when, part way through it you get the distinct feeling that the other person’s mind is on other things? How often have you said to your children, “Are you listening to me?” Maybe you’ve heard the teacher ask the class, “Are you listening to me?” As a pastor, I sometimes ask the congregation, “Are you listening?” Or maybe when talking to your spouse or friend you’ve asked the question.  I hate to admit it, but in one way or another my wife Kim has asked me the question numerous times. She might be telling me about her day at work or about some situation she’s facing when she soon realizes that I’m not really listening. Afterall, having been married for almost 36 years she can quickly tell when my mind has begun to wander and, although I may be nodding my head to what she’s saying, she knows I’m not really listening. (I’m sorry, Kim!)  It’s a sad fact that so often we have to ask each other, “Are you listening to me?” After all, kn...

This past week, here in New Jersey we have had our share of storms. A few nights ago, we had thunder like I haven’t heard in a long time—thunder that seemed to shake the whole house. Yesterday as I was running some errands and then heading to the gym, I could see the clouds in the south gathering, lightening streaks came bolting down, and the thunder began to roar again. I got into the gym just before the downpour came. I was glad to have missed it. Eventually the storm passed and the sun came back out. But wouldn’t you know, just as I was about to leave another storm came rolling in! At least, I was able to stay where I was as I waited for the storm to pass.  Then at about 4:15 this morning, my phone sounded an alarm with a tornado warning from the National Weather Service. It said that a tornado was possible and that we should immediately seek shelter on a ground floor or in the basement. Outside the rain was coming down hard and the wind was howling. Although I just wanted to sl...

Since we've been living here in Monmouth County, New Jersey,  each year Kim and I have been going to see fireworks on the beach at one of our local beach towns to celebrate Independence Day. Even though it might not be the best fireworks show in town, I've loved going early to eat dinner on the beach, play frisbee or spike ball, hang out with friends, and then watch the fireworks. Last year, however, the fireworks show was cancelled due to COVID restrictions. So I was really looking forward to this year's show.  I just found out, however, just the other night this year's show was as well cancelled for other reasons. BUMMER! I am so disappointed!  I think for many of us, this year's fireworks shows are another sign of returning to some sort of post-COVID normalcy. To be able watch fireworks with our friends and family, gather for a backyard BBQ, or go to a swimming pool without tons of restrictions makes this 4th of July feel a little more free (pun intended!).  Of c...