Encouragement

Funny. Encouragement is all over the place.

Encouragement comes

From unsuspected places.

We need be open.

Theme

Years ago I read about a preacher who somehow worked "water baptism" into every sermon. His congregation waited for the reference every Sunday. I believe we all have themes, clergy or not. What's yours?

Clergy often speak

Of having one sermon

To preach,

One revolving theme.

If congregations are lucky

It is a big theme

With lots of detail,

Many permutations

Which can go on

For years.

Since seminary

My theme has been

Openness

Even before then

It was

Openness.

Clearly

I am still learning,

Even as I mostly do not preach

Anymore.

Now I sit and listen

For themes,

For sermons we each

Are called to preach.