imitation

"Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live
according to the example you have in us . . ." Philippians 3:17

the shelves groan
     from the weight of books,
     papers, study guides

                but

while in the company
                of pastors
        who stood up to their
             governing boards
             (and members)
    telling them that if 'those' people
             (pick your own generation
                    and group)
       showed up to worship
           they would be made welcome,
                         i learned
                                 justice;

paying attention to the
              9-year-old
           and the octogenarians
        making lunches for teenagers
                           in crisis,
               watching the tender hands
               of the nurses and doctors
                    as they treat children
                          with cancer,
                                 i learn
                compassion;

listening to the songs
         of Woody and
                   Odetta,
    watching Bono on
                       youtube,
            and the Boss
                 at political events,
                     i rediscover
                     what it means to
        preach;

an apprentice for
             life,
     that is my
                  calling.

© 2013 Thom M. Shuman