At the Concert

Yesterday we attended a concert put on by our former church organist. I think I mentioned before he usually does it in a worship service format with readings in between the music selections. This time the theme was called Seasons of a Lifetime-A service of music and spoken meditations. Seasons of a Lifetime I believe is a book with a collection of writings by Gebhard Frost. I was told this book is out of print. Anyway, I was very touched by one of the readings. So was my husband who was doing the reading. He got choked up and had trouble getting through, but he did get through it. Meanwhile I had tears streaming down my face. Here it is.

Soggy Cereal and Tepid Tea

When I remember that I am a parent,
and think of God as Father,
I recall a special breakfast brought to me in bed.

We awoke early
to the sound of hurrying feet.
We wondered what they were up to,
our four- and eight-year olds;
but soon it came--
breakfast in bed.

It was an elaborate menu;
chilled burnt toast, with peanut butter;
eggs, fried, and chilled too;
soggy cereal,
(the milk had been added too soon)
and tepid tea.
A horrendous mix.

When they stepped out for a moment
to get something they'd forgotten (heaven forbid!)
my wife whispered,
"You're going to have to eat this, I can't!"
And I did,

I didn't eat as a gourmet,
for it wasn't gourmet cooking;
I didn't even eat as a hungry man
for I wasn't hungry.

I ate it as a father
because it was made for me;
I was expected to;
they had faith in me.
And I ate because it was served on eager feet
and with starry eyes.

I think of my poor service to God
as teacher, parent,
interpreter of the Good News.
I know that my offerings are soggy,
tepid and unfit,
but my Father receives them
and even blesses them--
not because I am good
but because he it!

It was a wonderful service of music and readings. A very enjoyable afternoon.