Lord,
a friend tells me
that in seminary
a professor advised
preaching students,
“If you’ve got a dog,
walk it proud.”

I laughed
when I heard it.
By that time
I had a few years
of experience,
and I knew plenty of dogs
were behind me.
I thought, surely,
that won’t happen again.
I’m better at this now,
better at the study
and the contemplation
and listening for your Spirit.
I was cocky.
I didn’t calculate the impact
of congregational crises
or family demands
or, frankly, my own health,
the last of these least
as if I expected to be superhuman.
Well, Lord.
This is one of those times.
I hope you know I meant
to do better, and some things
were beyond my control,
and I could use your help.
That same friend always says,
“The Holy Spirit’s got your back.”
I pray it’s true.
I’ll do my best
to walk it proud,
for your sake,
as always. Amen.
Some of my best sermons have been given when I am broken and the Holy Spirit stands in for me. Thanks for this one Martha! Prayers that your energy returns.