There are two songs that touch my heart beyond the norm - “Danny Boy” and “Amazing Grace.” Perhaps it’s the Irish in my heart, the English in my blood, the German in my mindset. Whatever it is - no matter the mood, the depth of sadness or the height of peace - they touch my soul and bring me into love’s light. In one, I am reminded I’m loved by family and friends. In the other, reminded I am loved by God. There is great peace and satisfaction in knowing you are loved. I do.

Indeed it is the Irish “pipes” that bring a “thrilled heart” to any song. However, it’s in the hearing I relate to the love in my life. Listen to these words: “But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow - Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow - I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow - Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.”

I think of those I love - my Emma, my Tommy, my Sarah - and the grandchildren - but none more so than my dear Chris. I cannot hear the words without them jumping in the joy of my heart. Each give life and meaning to these words: “And I shall hear, tho’ soft you tread above me - And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be - If you’ll not fail to tell me that you love me - I’ll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.”

Life is lived in various stages. Human emotion both clears and clouds our paths through life. I have come to understand this simple fact: God has mandated that love should dominate life - penetrate its every “nook and cranny.” Does God love me? Even with all my faults and failures? Yes, and that is “Amazing Grace.” Amazing grace - it’s not just the words, not just the music - it is the truth revealed by both. Even when ones’ life is lived as a “wretch” (i.e., a miserable, unfortunate, unhappy person - oft regarded as base, mean or despicable), they are loved by God.

I do not “fear” God (a statement that has gotten me in “hot water” from time to time with those who feel God is vengeful and punishing, painted that way in “scripture”). Rather, knowing God’s love for me - what I fear is being separated from that love. But understand this: no matter what you do, no matter the anguish or harm - the Majesty of God’s love is never beyond your reach - remember these words: “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.”

If there is (and there is) one word that best describes God it is “love.” The fundamental natures of love are hope, faith, truth and forgiveness. Within God’s love there is no punishment, revenge, no abolishment. These are human terms, human conditions. God’s love is indeed “amazing grace.” I hope and pray you experience the embrace and love of God in your life - a God who is always reaching out for you - always in love with you - always offering you amazing grace.