My sermon this morning is in the form of a poem. I usually wax poetic when my heart is breaking. As you listen, please consider personalizing each verse for yourself.
HOW I WONDER…
How I wonder…
How much more happy and content I might be if every day started and ended with my considering how on that day I can live to love and please God, loving my neighbor as myself…I wonder…
How sending out loving energy in all of my encounters, regardless of the actions and words of others, might begin a contagious cycle of good, peace, and healing, and then multiply…I wonder…
Have I honored my Christian calling to live, giving God first fruits of my time, my thought and prayer life, and the fruit of the blessings I receive, so that others might be blessed…I wonder…
Have I entreated and then allowed the Holy Spirit of God to control all of my thoughts, emotions, desires, and actions—bringing purity of soul to me and blessing to God’s heart…I wonder…
How I wonder…
Is there a place and time in my days, my moments, where and when I can luxuriate in pure heavenly joy and bliss, quickly dismissing unholy, unloving thoughts and passions…I wonder…
Is my life having any lasting impact for eternal good for humanity and all of creation, helping to bring about the Kingdom of God, that will live on after my time on this earth has ended…I wonder…
If conscious, intentional acts of love and generosity, regardless of how they are perceived, can stir the creative force of energy for good in this crazy, mixed up, troubled world…I wonder…
Is hatred, mixed with strife, cheating, lying, and anger, the last word in the world around us—our homes, churches, communities, the nation—Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy …I wonder…
How I wonder…
Why my acts of compassion, forgiveness and love, as taught by Jesus, are ridiculed by some, spit upon by others, recalling how Jesus himself was spit upon as he hung on the cross…I wonder…
What sacrifices will God require before I see redemption in people who languish in evil schemes and angry words and actions–in relationships and the collective consciousness…I wonder…
What must I do to be the change I perceive God longs for, the change that we perceive is life giving, the change we are taught Jesus died for…I wonder…
When will I learn that peace within comes only from the Holy Spirit of God, and not from my circumstances, conditions, blessing or lack thereof, nor the actions and words of others…I wonder…
*****
Jesus taught that unless we become as innocent as children—full of unbridled happiness, inexplicable innocence, and unquenchable wonder—celebrating simplicity, discovery, laughter…I wonder how I can with holy intention…return to that place and time—NOW. Oh, how I wonder…
I must remember Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Amen.