Look Ma, No hands!

POEM - 60TH BIRTHDAY REFLECTIONS
Look Ma, No hands!

Beneath it all - beneath a body of 60 years
And the face - they don't card me - even for AARP
The boy is there.

Those hierarchs who give me a job
"He's "old enough" - credible in authority and expertise
"Be presiding elder at a Charge Conference"
Represent the judicatory in the ecumenical world.

Little do they know...
How exciting it is to play with the 'big boys'
The term is not pc, but the reality is
Even when the 'big boys' are women

To be chosen to bat, in-field, trusted
Like my face pressed again the display window for the new toys
(Internet), each step a challenge, a stretch, and excitement
of discovery
of accomplishment, control a part of world
of self and a new skill.

How exhilarating to see God's grace in a new group of people
the wonder of the church, a charge conference of N. Austin,
and to be able to serve and do something worthwhile.
Always a stretch, a bit above my head, or out of my league;

But God there to see it through
- to stabilize the bike and guide it with his hands -
and let my hands rest upon the worldly handles

But the others - exteriors anyway, seem so serious.
Their demeanor matches the situation -
Conveys assurance, competence, credentialed authority
They deserve to be here.
Can I meet the demand to fill the role like that?
............
Inside, the boy wants to shout, "Look Ma, No hands!

December 7, 1993