FATHER'S DAY AND REMEMBERING

 

Grace, Brad, Ruth, Dave, Evelyn, Jack. My mom Grace's sisters and my dad Dave's in-laws Redwood City, CA

Memories about Father's Day are few for me. Father's Day wasn't celebrated widely until the 1920s, and while I was growing up, our family simply attended church on Father's Day. Beyond that, we didn't do anything particularly special.

Like many fathers of the World War II generation, my dad seemed to believe that children should be "seen but not heard." Because of that, I can't remember having many conversations with him. Yet there were small moments that revealed his care and affection.

We enjoyed watching the TV show Mannix together and predicting how many times Mannix would get hit on the head during an episode. When I was in my twenties, Dad sent me a subscription to Christianity Today. Years later, after retirement, he took up baking cookies and regularly mailed us some of his delicious creations. On a visit to Chinatown, he surprised me with a pair of earrings. Another time, he hauled a piano crate out of storage for us. After we unloaded it, my mother put the box to good use as a storage shed.

Those gestures may seem ordinary, but they spoke volumes. Dad wasn't a man who expressed his love with many words. Instead, he showed it through faithfulness, hard work, and a willingness to help whenever he was needed. He worked diligently to provide for our family and spent countless hours repairing things around the house. Looking back, I realize that his steady presence gave me a sense of security and stability. Because he was always there, doing what needed to be done, I was blessed with a good childhood—and for that, I remain grateful.

I Corinthians 1: 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 

HOW TO SERVE MAN

 

For years, movies and television shows have explored the possibility of life on other planets. We have heard stories of unidentified lights in the sky, reports of crash sites where non-human beings were allegedly found, and accounts from people who claim to have contacted or even been abducted by aliens. These reports naturally lead to an important question: Are such phenomena ultimately working for the good of humanity or for its harm?

Popular culture has often portrayed these mysterious beings as dangerous. The above clip from The Twilight Zone, a television series broadcast from 1959 to 1964, suggests that these non-human entities are working for evil rather than good. Interestingly, when we turn to Scripture, we also find examples of non-human beings that oppose God's purposes.

One of the earliest examples is the serpent in the Garden of Eden, who tempted Eve to disobey God. Likewise, Revelation 9 describes terrifying locust-like creatures emerging from the bottomless pit. They are given power like scorpions and are commanded to torment those who do not have the seal of God. These passages remind us that not every supernatural encounter is beneficial or trustworthy.

However, the Bible also presents non-human beings who serve God's purposes and bring help rather than harm. Angels are perhaps the best-known example. In Genesis, angels were sent to Sodom and Gomorrah to warn Lot of the coming destruction of the cities because of their wickedness. They urged him and his family to flee so that they might escape God's judgment. Throughout Scripture, angels often act as God's messengers, protectors, and servants.

So, can humanity prepare itself for encounters with extraterrestrials or other non-human beings? I believe the answer is yes. Whether such encounters are physical, spiritual, or something we do not yet understand, Christians are called to remain grounded in their faith. We prepare by spending time in prayer, studying God's Word, and fellowshipping with other believers. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than on the fears and uncertainties around us, we can face whatever comes with confidence.

The Apostle Peter gives this warning and encouragement:

"I Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 

MODERN CONVENIENCES AND TIMELESS TRUTHS

 

Heather and Samantha read together.  Photo by Chris.

Oh no! It broke! How am I ever going to survive?

Over the course of our married life, the microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, TV set, and blow dryer have all broken at one time or another. How did I function without these so-called modern conveniences? Surprisingly, I persevered.

Instead of warming my coffee in the microwave, I heated it on the stove. I washed dishes by hand. There was always a laundromat available. I could read instead of watching TV. And my hair would dry eventually. So I survived.

Of course, having a husband who was a good repairman helped tremendously. Chris became quite skilled at jerry-rigging broken items. He once repaired a washing machine by taking parts from a Whirlpool and parts from a Kenmore and combining them into one working machine. Goodwill provided a decent replacement blow dryer, and TVs were frequently on sale. While I could live without these conveniences, they certainly made life better.

Now, however, I am facing a new dilemma. My Kindle is no longer supported by Amazon. Thankfully, it just occurred to me that I can still read books checked out from the library. Even so, I'll miss my Kindle. It held hundreds of books without taking up precious space in our new, smaller living quarters.

Perhaps that is why I have always loved electronics. I would rather receive a new gadget than a piece of jewelry. Years ago, I even encouraged my son to pursue robotics. While he didn't choose that career path, he did give me a robot that vacuums and mops the floors. I'm still hoping someone invents a robot that can load and unload the dishwasher, washer, and dryer!

Looking ahead, technology has the potential to make life easier in many ways. Robotic assistance in childcare and elder care could relieve physical strain on caregivers. Self-driving cars may increase mobility for many people. I am already fascinated by the "people movers" found in airports and other locations. And I can only imagine the ways artificial intelligence may help us in the future.

Yet this raises an important question: What will all this convenience do to our character development?

When my children were growing up, I often told them they needed to do housework because it helped build character. Responsibility, perseverance, and diligence are often developed through ordinary tasks. On the other hand, if technology frees us from some household duties, perhaps it will give us more time for worthwhile pursuits—gardening, caring for animals, conservation efforts, recycling, inventing new ways to help people, and many other creative endeavors. And no matter how advanced technology becomes, there will likely always be employment opportunities for people who can repair what breaks. But cuddling up with your family and reading is still needed for bonding. The human touch is very important for well being. 

For that reason, I hope AI and other technological advances will be used wisely and for the good of humanity. Every tool can be used for good or ill, but when used well, technology can be one more way that life is improved and burdens are eased.

As James reminds us:

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." — James 1:17

---