Poet's Page ~ September 2009

September is often referred to as “back to school month.” I like this because some of my fondest memories are of the years when I participated in “the first day of school,” as a student and later as a teacher. I loved school. I played school when I was a child. I looked forward to the first day of school when I was a teacher. Something about “school” appealed to me. I was a “fit” in the classroom. So, it was no surprise when I recently participated in a workshop about “Life Purpose” and discovered that mine was to be a “teacher.” When I was invited to create a purpose statement about this role, I wrote: “I am a teacher. In my presence, people discover what has meaning and value for their lives.”

The followers of Jesus often referred to him as “Rabbi” or “Teacher.” Surely as they walked and talked with him, they discovered what had meaning and value for their lives. I sometimes like to imagine I was one of those followers, open and receptive to who and what he was, eager to learn what it meant to be about the Father’s business.

Teacher

Teacher teach me now
Empty me of what I know
Fill me with the new

Teacher teach me now
Quicken the questions within
Make the answers clear

Teacher teach me now
Empower me to serve you
In ways that bring peace

Teacher teach me now
Take my hand and lead me on
I will walk with you

Teacher teach me now
I will trust when I feel fear
You are my sure guide

Teacher teach me now
I love you with all my heart
You are my best Friend

jbm

Poet’s Page ~ August, 2009

August marks the birth of Unity’s co-founders, Myrtle and Charles Fillmore. Myrtle was born on the 6th and Charles on the 22nd. Together they explored a new teaching that was enlightening and healing. Their exploration led them to the revelation that the new teachings were not new at all, but rather were a new way to understand the ancient teachings of one who demonstrated them in all that he said and did. His name was Jesus. The Fillmores called him the “Wayshower” and defined their emerging work as “a practical application of the teachings of Jesus Christ to every aspect of daily life.” As they followed Jesus as Wayshower, they became not only disciples, but wayshowers themselves.

Ask, Seek, Knock

They were disciples and as they followed in his way
They needed courage to do the things they heard him say.
They saw his power as he worked from day to day
And listened to him when he taught them how to pray.

They were disciples but there was much to leave behind.
The old commandments no longer satisfied the mind.
They wanted power to heal the sick and free the blind
And they were searching for the truth they had to find.

We are disciples, we walk the path he came to show.
We plant the teachings in heart and mind and there they grow
Into awareness of Spirit Life and Spirit Flow-
One Present Power that urges us to stretch and know-

If you come asking, the answer will be whispered in your ear.
If you come seeking, the mystery of your mind will be made clear.
If you come knocking, the latchstring of love’s door will soon appear.
So, freely ask and seek and knock and feel God’s Presence ever near.

jbm