Robert Valentine once compared Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft as presidents. He said, “The difference was that when you left Teddy Roosevelt’s presence you were ready to eat bricks for lunch, and when you left Taft you felt what’s the use.” (Felix Frankfurter, Felix Frankfurter Reminisces [1960], 85.)

We’re hoping that when you leave church this morning, you’re ready to eat bricks for lunch.  But I hope you have something more wholesome.

Remember as a kid . . . you didn't want to go to bed while the adults were all gathered for something? You didn't want to miss out. You heard everyone laughing. Then you heard everyone talking in a low voice. What were they saying? What was so funny? You wanted to be in the midst of it too. You wanted to be a part of the fun and excitement, or w…