The Word

I know a word. A very, very special word and when my Grandfather was in hospital and so close to leaving us, it came out of me.

Emmanuel

God with us.

There are some who flounder in the darkness out there, either not seeing or afraid of the radiance, some who rage against it, pummeling it with futile fists out of a pain or illness almost too great to bear. They lash out at those who love it, they mock those who seek it.

I feel very sorry for them. Not because I am superior to them, not because I have what they don't. But because I know what that radiance is. I grew up with it, walked through my own dark places with it, let it guide me, ran from it sometimes, but always came back. Emmanuel.

Church this past Sunday was good.

I wish the feeling of Emmanuel on everyone, especially those who hate it.