A few weeks ago, some friends and I went to hear Brennan Manning speak at a conference hosted by a nearby church. At times sentimental, at others profound, combining pop-psychology with provative and nuanced theology, Manning’s talk was interesting throughout. Several statements remain with me.
“We make our image of God. Even more, our image of God makes us.”
“Healing our image of God heals our image of ourselves.”
“The love of God is folly!”
“I will not should on myself today.”
But it was the benediction, written by one of Manning’s friends, that I will not forget.
May all of your expectations be frustrated.
May all of your plans be thwarted.
May all of your desires be withered into nothingness
that you may experience the poverty and helplessness of a
child
and can sing and dance in the joy of God
who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
AMEN
A benedicition is, literally, a good word to go away with. Could there be a better one than this?
