Pulpit Notes. Sermons. 

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   When I was a child, I stole a crucifix from the bedroom wall of someone’s home, a relative of my mom. I don’t know why I did, it was just one of those things. Later I heard somebody say it was bad luck to steal a crucifix. I got scared and gave it to my mom, confessing my deed. She returned it. I do not recall her saying much about it or punishing me in any way. Much later in life, when I came to know the Lord, I realized I hadn’t stolen the crucifix. It had stolen me.  

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The lord is my shepherd, I want nothing more. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul. I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff – they comfort me…

Most everyone is familiar with Psalm 23, written by David. Whenever I visited the aged, the shut ins who have lived in this world much longer than me, I want to hear what they have to say, what they learned in this school of life. They might be blind or in a wheelchair but they are still here- and that says something in itself. Life is hard. God knows that.

But really, all that is required of us is to show up for life each day and try and do our very best.

Now I am 68, and my turn to feel old. At times I get angry, frustrated because I can’t do what I used to do. Nagging pain and health problems feels like a paltry reward for fighting my way this far. But I am still here. Beat up but still here. Most all of my old friends have died. 

1. The things I thought were so important are not important anymore. St. Paul said “When I was a          child I played with childish things. But when I matured I put away these things.” 

2.  I have learned to be indifferent to the opinions others have of me. This may be the hardest to             overcome, we all dwell on it. Worrying does everyone still like me? What did so and so mean by         that remark? Why don’t they like my post?

3.  When I feel tired, exhausted from it all, I think of what still needs to be done, the unfinished things       life demands of me, sometimes I can’t even think at all and just stare out the window.  

Three words in David’s Psalm