Chapel

I wrote in the Sunday smattering that I was scheduled to speak in the APS devotions/chapel yesterday morning. I don't think I mentioned that I have only known I was speaking yesterday since last Friday. Not a lot of prep time.

In some ways, it's probably good. Less time to get nervous.

I picked a topic Friday night - from the advent book - and wrote out the official speech Sunday afternoon.

Sunday night I practiced it - and it did NOT go well, in my estimation. Jonathan was my (apparently willing) audience and I really appreciated that he helped me - but I felt weird delivering a speech the way I would to a group...to one person. So I mostly read him the speech. It left quite a bit to be desired. He was gracious and said it was good.

Liar. (Kidding!)

My Dad is a great public speaker. He was a teacher for...well, forever. And he preaches at churches all the time and he's on the radio every week. It's his thing. And while I can do it, it's not a natural thing for me like it is for him. It makes me nervous - but I had a great group this morning.

There were probably between 50 and 75 people at this chapel and they at least appeared interested. I appreciated that. They laughed a couple of times (in appropriate places, you understand) and many sat and smiled at me the entire time. That made it much easier.

I talked about the chapter in the book that covers the time Jesus observed the widow giving her two copper coins. I talked about times when we feel invisible and wish we could be seen - and times when we are seen, and perhaps mocked, and wish we could be invisible.

It was short and sweet - just like I used to tell Dad his sermons needed to be. :)

So that was my Monday adventure in public speaking! I have a couple more adventures on the schedule - so stay tuned. It could be interesting when I finally have foot in mouth syndrome!