Hope Harbor

I enjoy a good conversation. I enjoy talking (sometimes, I fear, too much). Sharing stories, expressing my opinions and communicating how I feel is my idea of a good time. Recently, as I was struggling with intense emotions, I pondered how much I appreciate it when someone truly listens. It means so much to me when someone is willing to take the time to hear what I have to say – especially when they patiently listen even when I struggle to find the “right” words, or when what I do express is less than cheerful. As I reflected upon what a comfort it is to my soul to have a good listener available, a significant section in the book Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer came to mind. My heart was especially touched at the recollection of the precious phrase: “… (God) who is Himself the great listener.” This renowned theologian asserts in a segment of his writing which he labels the “Ministry of Listening” many valuable principles. Below you will find an excerpt from the book. I took ...

I was thinking about the significance of names recently as I was playing with my dog Tanner. He is a Labrador Retriever – And he certainly lives up to that title. Tanner will happily retrieve a Frisbee, ball or almost any object as many times as I am able to throw it. As I fondly watched my good natured canine companion fetch again and again faithfully placing it in my lap so I could throw it one more time, I thought how appropriate that he was of a breed with the term “retriever” assigned to it – Being a “Retriever” is part of the purpose for which Tanner was created.   Names are significant. Expectant parents often prayerfully and carefully consider what name to bestow on their precious little one who they will welcome into the world. Names indicate our heritage. Historically, a name given to offspring held profound meaning. A name was often given to reflect an individual’s character, or to proclaim an expectation about a person’s purpose or destiny. The Bible has quite a bit ...