Steppenwolf...

Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) was a German author who was in vogue in the 60's when I became acquainted with his writing. In "Steppenwolf", Hesse introduces his main character, Mr. Harry Haller, like this:

"For he was not a sociable man. Indeed, he was unsociable to a degree I had never before experienced in anybody. He was, in fact, as he called himself, a real wolf of the Steppes, a strange, wild, shy--very shy--being from another world than mine. How deep the loneliness into which his life had drifted on account of his disposition and destiny,.."

A wolf of the Steppe: a peculiarly apt description of some; a tendency innate to some degree in us all.

In the presence of God...

"...for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27)

When do you most feel like you have been in the presence of God? I guess if I were a more spiritual person, I might respond, "late at night while I am praying." Sadly, for me, that is not usually the case.

I'm not shooting here for creepy organ music and goosebumps. I am pretty sure that there is not some mystical experience awaiting me around the corner. It is tiresome at times dealing with the superstition, the confusing of ritual with rebirth, the emotionalism attributed to the Holy Spirit, the expectation of some overpowering manifestation that would nudge one over the line into saving faith.