“It’s been a joy having you in my class. I wish you the best as you continue your education in Germany,” I wrote Jannik, one of my students at Campbellsville University, where I teach as an adjunct instructor. Then I added, “Let me know if I can ever do anything for you.” Why did I …
NOTE: The column below is my revised version of this article, published in May 2010. Last week, May 24, was the 62nd anniversary of my older brother Doug’s (Dougie’s) death. My older brother, Mark, posted a message about Doug’s death last week on Facebook, including the newspaper article reporting the car accident that resulted in …
I lifted Adalyn out of the baptismal waters, barely leaving a trace of a ripple as I steadied her. The six-year-old seemed light as a feather in my arms. It had been four months, almost to the Sunday, since I had preached in the church where I had pastored for twenty years. As usual, I …
Physical ailments, even small ones, as annoying as they are, can serve us well, reminding us of our limitations, opening the door for growth in humility. In weakness, we find the source of true strength. The precise point where I sometimes feel threatened pinpoints that place where pride has metastasized in my spiritual physiology. It …
“The glass door sure is clear and clean, not a spot on it, ” I commented to Lori, admiring the front door. I surveyed our living room and kitchen. Lori had set the pillows in perfect position on our bed (I once took a picture of her arrangement so I could duplicate the exact placement); …