Year: 2010

I often work late here at the university. On one recent occasion, I had just been for a break, when I found a student failing in his attempt to access the rear doors to the computer suite. He, like many … Read more

I remember the first time I ever rode a bike without using the stabilizers, which we called "training wheels" in Scotland. It didn't go very well. The bike shoogled and vibrated, making me so anxious and fearful that I kept … Read more

I had very little understanding of other people's pain until I had a knee go bad. As I struggled to continue the chores of everyday living with constant pain, I became aware of those around me living with pain. I … Read more

The sound from the next cubicle was heart wrenching — sobbing. Whoever was in there was very upset. Cancer had invaded his body, and being alone and, yes, afraid, he found the dark moments of the night very hard to … Read more

In three most important ceremonies in my life, I gave my solemn promises, vows, and agreements. I gave assent to, and made my marriage vows from my heart to the boy I loved, I made my renewed covenant vows to … Read more

Years ago, I spent a lot of time ministering to a handful of people who had addiction problems. Because of my alcoholic past, I became a crusader for each of them, and felt that only I could save them from … Read more

I find that some Bible verses hold a mystery. It seems like they keep coming into my reading, and some take time for me to understand them. Today's Scripture is one such verse. Our past can follow us, and it … Read more

I enjoy baking. I bake a lot: I bake for special occasions; I bake for my children, grandchildren, and friends. It was a day like any other day when I got a call from my daughter. She asked me if … Read more

I am usually a peaceful man who enjoys the wildlife — birds, squirrels, and the like — which frequent our yard. Last Saturday, however, I was heard to say, "I would like to shoot that rabbit!" The problem was that … Read more

When I first started in parish ministry, I made some house calls to an old man who had no family, no property, and hardly any possessions. He lived in a council house, and all that he had was a sofa, … Read more