Words From The Warden

This week has been particularly difficult for me, and as a result, I missed my usual deadline to provide content to Lara, our communications specialist. If you are reading this, thank you, Lara, for your understanding and patience.

Several events have weighed heavily on my heart. My father, who is nearly 98 years old, experienced a fall. I lost a good friend, and my wife underwent knee replacement surgery, for which I have taken on the role of her caregiver. Our Turkey Trot fundraising income has decreased by $32,000. Additionally, a few members of St. Luke’s have shared stories of frustration and irritation which include our political climate that date back to 2020. While I appreciate their trust in confiding in me, it is difficult to navigate such issues. My eldest son, Senior Master Sergeant Zaborniak, is stationed far from home, and our business is not performing as well as we had hoped. There are also loved ones in my life who, sadly, are not on speaking terms.

Recently, I have spoken with people who are excited to make travel plans for the holidays, while others are focused solely on survival, uncertain about where their next meal will come from. During my wife Kim’s physical therapy appointments, I see many who have had elective surgeries such as knee and hip replacements, but also others who have suffered the loss of limbs due to accidents or illness. All of these experiences have contributed to my feeling a bit down in the dumps.

In moments like these, I recall a particular autumn afternoon when I officiated a Wisconsin Badgers football game. The weather was perfect—crisp air and bright, warm sunshine. Camp Randall Stadium was at full capacity, filled with enthusiastic fans. As the oldest stadium in the Big Ten, it holds significant history, having been named after a Union Army training camp from the Civil War. During a lengthy TV time-out, I took a moment to savor the experience: a great game, a historic stadium, outstanding players, and a wonderful day. I found myself smiling, which caught the attention of Badgers Head Coach Barry Alvarez. He charged down the sideline and asked, “What are you smiling about?” I replied, “Coach, I am involved in a football game in one of the grandest stadiums in the country, on one of the most fabulous campuses in the world, officiating a game with one of the greatest running backs of all time, Ron Dane, and being chewed out by someone destined for the College Football Hall of Fame. I love it!” Coach Alvarez simply shook his head and walked away without another word.

Inspired by that memory, I decided to take a closer look at my current circumstances, just as I did that day in Camp Randall Stadium. Kim and I have good health, a roof over our heads, and enough food. Last Sunday, as I sat in the undercroft, I listened to parishioners share moving stories about loved ones—saints—who are no longer with us. I am grateful to be a small part of a community committed to going “to the ends of the earth” to help feed brothers and sisters in need. I am uplifted by my Pastor and friends at St. Luke’s Church. I am more than lucky; with support, I can serve as a hand or a foot of Jesus for others.

I ask God to forgive me for my lapse in gratitude, and I give thanks for the blessing of this life.

Peace,
Henry Zaborniak, Senior Warden