The “Hound of Heaven” is a well-known poem written by Frances Thomas more than a hundred years ago. It is long, which is important for those of us with faith through aging eyes.

 I recommend reflectively reading the whole poem.                                                                                                                                                                       I want to write today about one time when I was undoubtedly visited by the Hound of Heaven. As I remember this time, it is a stimulus for many other encounters, some dramatic and others more subtle but all drawing me to fall to my knees and rise up with Praise.

 This specific encounter dates back about ten years. I don’t remember the details of how I was introduced to this person. I think it somehow spun out from having mutual friends.

 The scene is a lunch date with a lady from another state young enough to be my granddaughter. We deeply enjoyed each other’s company with our common passion being a desire to know God at a deeper level.

 At some point in the conversation I asked her why she had come to Milwaukee.

 She smiled. After a time of quiet reflection she softly said, “God wants you for yourself”.

 After a longer time of quiet reflection I asked, “Did you cross several states to come and tell me, a woman you have never met, that God wants me for Himself?”

 She smiled again.

 More words would have diminished the awe that grasped my heart.

 How have you encountered the “Hound of Heaven”?