A long time ago, when our two oldest boys were young, someone asked one or both of them if we had a family slogan. I don’t recall the context (I should ask them), but I do recall their answer. The first thing that came to mind for them was: “We don’t do that.” Ha! The…
In recent readings of the book of Nehemiah, it has struck me that God is not present in that text. Oh, he’s mentioned, and he’s even the primary motivation of all involved, and Nehemiah (and others) mention how they sensed that God was involved in arranging circumstances for them, and in a sense, he is…
As long as I can remember, I have loved the sky. It spawned a love for astronomy. I had books that I would read and re-read. I loved any and all space-themed documentaries. My parents gave me a telescope one Christmas, and in our rural back yard I was able to see some small bit…
We Campbells love clocks. They are in every room. Sometimes there are more than one in a room. Big clocks, little clocks, digital clocks, sadly no grandfather clocks. (I wish!) Everywhere you look, you’ll see a clock. One that I particularly rely upon is the kitchen wall clock. I prepare many (or most) of the…
Recently my wife said to me that when I relay a story in which I play a part, I always paint myself in the best light. That comment surprised me. It was not the whole of her response to me—nor was it said in a time of conflict—but it revealed a way that I am…
If you think about it, we’re all quite fragile. Some of us mask the fragility with bravado. We even put on a brave face for ourselves, attempting to convince not only the world but our own hearts that we are strong, capable, able, and unafraid. But the truth is that pseudo-confidence could be shattered by…
I need to start by saying I am sorry. I am sorry that I have hurt you. I am sorry for careless words or actions which left you feeling hurt, overlooked, demeaned, ridiculed, devalued, disregarded, or even just misunderstood. Yes, you. I’ve noticed in a few recent interactions—first and third person—how easily we offend and…
I identify with Martha. That might seem odd, in that I am a man, but I think I do. I’m not talking about any sort of gender identity crisis, mind you. Rather, as I was taking care of many details around my home today (which I find myself doing quite often) I was reminded of…
Righteous indignation on each side; blustery public diatribes backed by legal or biblical authority; verbal wars among foes and friends and family which take no idealogical prisoners—this seems to be the state of current events. But this tiny spider doesn’t seem to know, or care. She’s not angry, or justified, or changing the color of…
Beyond our bodies, we’re all the same. Lately I have had an interesting experience when seeing photos of people, current or historical. Somehow in my mind, I am seeing (thinking of?) the person beneath the exterior. Wondering at what unknown depths there are to that particular individual; wondering how we might be similar. Not that…