You would be hard-pressed to find shorter words in the English language than yes, and, how. Yet these teensy-weensy words are chock-full of power and wisdom, and when used as an operating system, they create the alchemy of improvisational theater. This sermon—at the start of a new year--explores the practical wisdoms of yes and how and in what way they can nourish and inspire a richly rewarding religious practice and a vibrant civic life.