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.

The Book, continued

As I read this book, it reminds me of things I already know.  There is healing and health to be found.  I pursue it for myself, for my parishioners, for my clients.  I prepare a discussion for adult education tomorrow on how God comes to each of us in our own particular way.  Of course it will not be like other adult forums at church, because it will involve all of us present.  It is completely unpredictable: who will be there, what will be said, even what part of my notes will be presented.  I am glad for this.  And a little scared.  Still... there is a theme.

Now that it has leaped

Off the shelf,

I know the people.

She tells their stories,

And hers,

And mine.

They all walk through my dreams,

Sit in my office,

Invite me for coffee

With cream.

I read snippets to my husband.

I sense a theme,

He says.

Of course he does.

There is a theme:

Healing and health underlies

Everything.

When we lay our expectations

In the sun,

When we find what is actually present,

When we locate that perfect archetypal rose

At the core of our being,

We find health.

Sometimes it takes years.

We have to look.

I sense a theme.