Fellow in the elevator asked me straight “Chuck, you Wayist people - where’s your temple gate? Don’t you have a church, some place you go to pray?” I had to think a minute ‘bout what I should say
“Our meetings just seem to happen, nothing planned” He said “What d’you mean?” so I helped him understand “Friday evening Larry came by needing a wrench Change his oil, but his socket set weren’t French”
It’s a BBQ devotional, that’s what it is Kids and dogs and sunset skies and borrowed socket wrenches Oil in your hair, dirt under your nails Learning something sacred in the ordinary details In awe, I tell you — in awe In awe, I tell you — in awe
Called up Jamal, he brought his tools on by Kids showed up to watch, oil got in Larry’s eye Wrong weight oil, so we phoned Russell too Larry hit the shower while the women fired up the ‘cue
Jamal’s dog tried getting Cathy’s cat pregnant that night Got his snout cat-slapped, learned respect alright Fifteen people gathered, weren’t nobody counting Dogs and cats included, joy was steady mounting
Fellow said, “But Chuck, that’s just a barbecue” Had to think about it, find the words that’s true Well, Larry got baptized In that old motor oil Apprenticed in a skill, learned to work and toil
We sat in awe watching sunset paint the sky Canadian geese in formation, flying high In awe, I tell you — in awe In awe, I tell you — in awe
Carrots from Larry’s backyard soil so sweet Eggs from Jamal’s grand-pappy’s, what a treat Okra from Russell’s wife’s garden, Cathy’s salsa too Beer I brewed last winter — and we shared it all through
That’s a BBQ devotional, now you see Where the sacred lives in you and me In the work, the earth, the sky, the honest hand That’s our temple, brother — understand? In awe, I tell you — in awe In awe, I tell you — in awe
Fellow just nodded, pressed his elevator floor Said “Chuck, I think I get it now, maybe even more Your church is where you gather, where you work and share
In awe and joy together — that’s your community prayer”