My Soul Longeth After Thee
August 25, 2011
Peter was dearly loved by all in the Harris family and truly a unique, deep man of God. My children loved their uncle and his tickling partner, "worm finger."
He was born with a cross to bear that was not fully revealed until he graduated from college. Challenged by a debilitating mental illness that robbed him of a career, it did not rob him of his sense of humor, his sense of purpose, nor his sense of worth.
Peter's challenges served as the crucible that produced the works of righteousness in his heart through santification. Even in the midst of unimaginable suffering, he had a special way of comforting those who were hurting. He didn't count his losses, nor rehearse his woes....no instead, Peter was always upbeat, positive, and kept on the lighter side of life.
Peter longed for the deep things of God. His favorite scripture was Psalm 42:1 "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee.” He loved it so much he bought a picture with that scripture to hang over his couch. It was the one possession he valued the most.
His devotion to God was unwavering even in the midst of unmitigated suffering that only Jesus could fully comprehend. His heart's desire was to become a monk and once he sought to join a monastary. This reflected his desire to serve God and pursue a peaceable life.
Peter viewed his illness as a divine opportunity to pray for others. Time afforded him the ability to bring the troubles of the world to the Father on behalf of his siblings and friends. Often, when I would be in the pit of my own trials, Peter would sense it, call me and have just the right word to share. "Hang on Sis" he would say. "Tie a knot in the rope and hang on." I always marveled how one who was riddled with suffering on every front could be so positive and encouraging to others.
Peter prided himself in his ability to live independently. That is no small feat when faced with the hand he was dealt. I've often wondered if God took him home because it was coming near to the time that we would have to reconsider his independence. In light of this I've come to understand God's wisdom in taking him home now, with his boots on, before any of that had to happen.
Peter loved music and he especially loved John Michael Talbot. He loved to go camping, fishing and hunting with my husband. He loved sunrises and he loved the beach. In his later years he enjoyed hanging out with the old guys at McDonald’s in the wee hours of the morning at 5am.
Peter enjoyed discussing theology and delving into deep topics ....the usual debates: free will vs. predestination and the sovereignity of God, post or pre-tribulation... etc...age old questions he was always discerning. Well, now he finally has his answers. Now he sees clearly face to face. And the rest of us will have to wait our turn to discover the full truth.
We miss him, but know we will all see him again.
Claire Harris ~ August 25, 2011
“If there is a meaning in life, then there must be a meaning in suffering. The way in which we accept our fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which we take up our cross, gives ample opportunity to add a deeper meaning to life. Here lies the chance to either make use of, or forego, the opportunities of attaining the values that difficult situations may afford.” Viktor Frankl
Should you ever desire to donate to a good cause ...please consider the International Mental Health Research Organization. To learn how donations to IMHRO make an impact in people's lives, please click the links below for more information.
www.imhro.org/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/donate-to-mental-health.html
www.imhro.org/about-targeted-donations/bipolar-research.html
www.youtube.com/watch
He was born with a cross to bear that was not fully revealed until he graduated from college. Challenged by a debilitating mental illness that robbed him of a career, it did not rob him of his sense of humor, his sense of purpose, nor his sense of worth.
Peter's challenges served as the crucible that produced the works of righteousness in his heart through santification. Even in the midst of unimaginable suffering, he had a special way of comforting those who were hurting. He didn't count his losses, nor rehearse his woes....no instead, Peter was always upbeat, positive, and kept on the lighter side of life.
Peter longed for the deep things of God. His favorite scripture was Psalm 42:1 "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee.” He loved it so much he bought a picture with that scripture to hang over his couch. It was the one possession he valued the most.
His devotion to God was unwavering even in the midst of unmitigated suffering that only Jesus could fully comprehend. His heart's desire was to become a monk and once he sought to join a monastary. This reflected his desire to serve God and pursue a peaceable life.
Peter viewed his illness as a divine opportunity to pray for others. Time afforded him the ability to bring the troubles of the world to the Father on behalf of his siblings and friends. Often, when I would be in the pit of my own trials, Peter would sense it, call me and have just the right word to share. "Hang on Sis" he would say. "Tie a knot in the rope and hang on." I always marveled how one who was riddled with suffering on every front could be so positive and encouraging to others.
Peter prided himself in his ability to live independently. That is no small feat when faced with the hand he was dealt. I've often wondered if God took him home because it was coming near to the time that we would have to reconsider his independence. In light of this I've come to understand God's wisdom in taking him home now, with his boots on, before any of that had to happen.
Peter loved music and he especially loved John Michael Talbot. He loved to go camping, fishing and hunting with my husband. He loved sunrises and he loved the beach. In his later years he enjoyed hanging out with the old guys at McDonald’s in the wee hours of the morning at 5am.
Peter enjoyed discussing theology and delving into deep topics ....the usual debates: free will vs. predestination and the sovereignity of God, post or pre-tribulation... etc...age old questions he was always discerning. Well, now he finally has his answers. Now he sees clearly face to face. And the rest of us will have to wait our turn to discover the full truth.
We miss him, but know we will all see him again.
Claire Harris ~ August 25, 2011
“If there is a meaning in life, then there must be a meaning in suffering. The way in which we accept our fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which we take up our cross, gives ample opportunity to add a deeper meaning to life. Here lies the chance to either make use of, or forego, the opportunities of attaining the values that difficult situations may afford.” Viktor Frankl
Should you ever desire to donate to a good cause ...please consider the International Mental Health Research Organization. To learn how donations to IMHRO make an impact in people's lives, please click the links below for more information.
www.imhro.org/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/donate-to-mental-health.html
www.imhro.org/about-targeted-donations/bipolar-research.html
www.youtube.com/watch