I’m neither a preacher nor a theologian, although earlier on my daughters would have declared that indeed I did preach at them regularly. And even though I’m a Bishop, I’m not ordained – disdained, maybe.
There seems to be a prevailing notion that if one has had a few things published along the way that automatically makes one a public speaker. For myself, I’m more comfortable sitting at my computer expounding on any number of subjects I know little about than standing before a group, hoping that intended words and phrases will burst forth in ways that both communicate to and motivate the audience to some wished-for response – long after the room is cleared.
Those times that I’ve spoken to groups the pre-speech period is agonizing. I can’t really enjoy the meal, however scrumptious, knowing what’s just ahead. The anxiety level especially rises when the meeting should be concluding about the time I’m being introduced.
I recall a time when I reached the podium, surveyed the fairly large audience that was giving me fidgety non-verbal signals, and I said, “Hmmmm, where shall I begin?” And from the back of the room a voice rang out, “Somewhere near the end!”
On another occasion, I was asked to reflect on writing this weekly column, where ideas comes from (I have no idea) and how I go about composing this weekly prattle. It seemed to have gone exceptionally well; I could tell just by person’s rapt facial expressions. I ended the formal part and invited questions from the group. Immediately a hand shot up in the back of the room and a dear lady shouted out, “And who are you . . .”? It was an excellent, sorely-needed, lesson in humility.
EMU’s commencement last weekend, held outdoors despite some fickle weather, was a celebratory occasion. I wasn’t asked to give any kind of public discourse at this last graduation for me to cover in my role as public information officer, and that’s fine with me. Both the baccalaureate and commencement speakers made excellent presentations.
But I thought several times over the weekend: if given the opportunity, what would I have said to the graduating class of 2011?
No question: I would focus on the importance of accepting God’s love and in turn sharing that marvelous love with others and the blessings that arise from this reciprocal experience.
A statement from the late Elizabeth Koobler-Ross, widely-known authority on death and dying, that is tacked on my office doorpost pretty much sums up what I would tell any graduation audience:
“I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love. You feel it in your heart. It is the common fiber of life, the flame that heals our soul, energizes our spirit, and supplies passion to our lives. It is our connection to God and to each other.”
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God,” I John 4:7 (NASB). I’d try to underscore and elaborate on this declaration, then conclude by bestowing a blessing on everyone that I hope they would carry with them and experience in the days ahead:
* May you look forward to the start of the new day more than its end, and at its close, may you experience sound, restful, adequate sleep.
* May you always have a roof over your head (that doesn’t leak) and food on the table, and may you always have hot water (but stay out of it).
* May your checkbook always balance – handle that ATM card with care! – and your checks never bounce.
* May the line you’re in be shorter – and worth any wait.
* May your vehicles always pass inspection and your appliance warranties be valid.
* May your computer hard drive never crash.
* May you always win arguments with yourself.
* May the weather be pleasant on your days off.
* May that slice of bread you drop on the floor land butter-side-up.
* May your cup of human kindness always overflow.
* May you be content with what you have and thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would you have to look forward to?
* May you always eschew loquacious verbosity.
* May you find meaning and purpose in the commonplace.
* May you have a serendipitous moment this very week that helps put a magical spark in life, turns dreams into reality and motivates you to share this unexpected blessing with someone else.
* May the candle of hope burn intently in your being and radiate outwardly
from there.
* While one can never be exempt from injury, insult, emotional wounds and illnesses that are part of being human, may you experience God’s presence and gentle healing touch when they strike.
* May you find fulfillment and sheer enjoyment from pursuit of a hobby or special interest.
* May peace like a river overflow your hearth and heart.
* May you stay forever young.
* I’ve exceeded my time limit and word count – please forgive me. Blessings in abundance!
Jim Bishop is public information officer at Eastern Mennonite University. He can be contacted at [email protected].
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