ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 14, 2026
I have a Kermit the Frog puppet on my desk. Cheryl Coleman gave it to me, along with some other stuffed animals. I’ve given two away to kids who had come to the church office with a parent and were needing a little something to cheer them up. Kermit, on the other hand, has been used as a conversation partner with a couple of kids as he is a puppet, yet if I were to be completely honest, he has been my conversation partner on numerous occasions. He’s been known to critique me with his well-known words, “Remember, it is nice to be important, but it is also important to be nice.” He has a very kind way of keeping my ego in check. Kermit also said,
“Well, I’ve got a dream too, but it’s about singing and dancing and making people happy. The kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And well, I’ve found a whole bunch of friends who have the same dream, and that kind of makes us like a family.”
That’s perfect for Kermit, and I’d only modify it a bit for the church—
Well, I’ve got a dream too, but it’s about sharing a little more love and hope and helping bring more joy into people’s lives. The kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And well, I’ve found a whole bunch of friends who have the same dream, and that kind of makes us like a family.
My Kermit the Frog puppet doesn’t really talk to me, just in case you were concerned, but I have always been a big fan.
We celebrate, Gracious God, all the voices that bring wisdom and joy into our lives. They are amazing gifts, yet quite often, they are only passing on what they received from you. Thank you! Amen.
