Pastor's Devotions by Tim Harris

The old song by the Beatles projected ahead to the day when the young song writers (John Lennon and Paul McCartney) would turn 64 years old. They were looking ahead to life with their loved one, taking care of a house, weeding the garden, going on vacations, and saving for the future. But they knew that one day their hair would be thinning, grandchildren would be in the picture, and before they knew it, they would be 64. So, the question is asked, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?” as they express their hope that the one whom they love will stick with them through all the changes the years promised to bring. Yet, it seems, that to the young Lennon and McCartney 64 seemed a very long way off.  Well, today I’m 64 and I can tell you it came a lot more quickly than I anticipated.  After all, it feels like it wasn’t that long ago that I graduated college, got my first job, went to seminary and began my life as a pastor. It feels like it wasn’t that long ...

This week I  needed to buy a new pair of running shoes. For one, according to the running app I use, my current ones (which were purchased almost exactly one year ago today) have 369 miles on them—and  they are supposed to last a maximum of 400 miles. Secondly, I can actually see where my current shoes have been worn out. Finally, I need to break in a new pair before it gets too close to my next half-marathon race, which is coming up near the end of September. Thus, the new pair of running shoes.   Like most runners would be, I’m very excited about running tomorrow morning in my new pair of running shoes. I know it might sound a bit childish, but there’s something about putting on a new pair for the first time, looking down at your feet to admire the color and the look, and then taking off for a maiden flight (run!). I’d say, it’s much the same feeling one gets when they drive off the lot with a new car. (Well, maybe not for you!) Everything feels so fresh and so new...

Today is my grandson Jesse’s third birthday. Although Kim and I won’t be with him today, thankfully we got to celebrate with him this past Monday with cupcakes, decorations, and a gift. And in fact, we got to spend the past three weeks with Jesse, his little brother Jack, and his parents as they were on vacation with us in the Adirondack Mountains and spent some time here at our house. Later today we will most likely FaceTime with him.   Except for a couple of times per year, Kim and I don’t get to spend all that much time with Jesse and his family. Thus, the changes that take place as he grows are often quite striking to us. And now at three years old, those changes are taking place very rapidly. Both his fine and gross motor skills are increasing every day. His vocabulary is expanding at an exponential rate. He is now reasoning (as well as a three year old can reason). He negotiates, makes promises, is gaining a sense of time, and beginning to learn that there are consequenc...