A young vicar about to deliver his first sermon asked the advice of a retired minister on how to capture the congregation’s attention.

“Start with an opening line that’s certain to grab them,” the cleric told him.

“For example: Some of the best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman.” He smiled at the young vicar’s shocked look before adding, “She is my mother.”

The next Sunday the vicar nervously clutched the pulpit rail before the congregation and stated, “Some of the best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman.”

He was pleased at the instant reaction. “But for the life of me, I can’t remember who she was!”