Not Any Sunday

 Sunday morning was special because the sermon I’d been working on for weeks was released on UTube through our little church website (Arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org).  It is always a challenge for me to actually give a sermon, even when there is no one there to listen, because of my upbringing.  I can’t bear to see myself or even hear my voice.  Being raised, I only remember being praised for not speaking out, for not calling attention to myself and those recriminations are still a strong voice in my head along with my basic introverted personality.  This is the fourth virtual sermon I’ve given during this pandemic and Bob, my outstanding videographer, has upgraded his taping methodology each time.  This time in addition to a long cord on the lapel mic, there were tall lights with diffusers shining on me. It’s fun to do it together and I feel very grateful for his strong support.   As we finished taping the service, I felt a huge relief and thought “well, if I should die now, what I really believe is there in this service for everyone to see.”  I’d never felt that before.  When the sermon was released, I felt exposed.  People with the eyes to see will see and the ears to hear will find my truth.  I didn’t say anything so unusual really, just words about Jesus’ power and authority being Love.  The words are all deeply honest.  As I look back over my life, I see that love has been the energy of much of what I’ve done.  The service has gotten a lot of views for our little church,  so maybe the message and the videography are appreciated.

In the afternoon we went out for a walk, as we do often.  I have a map of the roads and paths in the Berkeley hills in my head now so we make up all sorts of new routes as we walk along.  I still look for beauty and I found a gorgeous Helleborus by the curb in front of the house that has the most beautiful front door on Bret Harte Way.  Walking calmed down my excited nerves and brought me back into my body again.  And then, to top it all off, we had a truly gorgeous sunset!   It was a day full of blessings for which I am very grateful.