Maybe God is Like That Too – Jennifer Grant
Spark House Family
As the world seems to be continuing to fall apart and as many of us are still separated from those we love and from those who give us guidance, many have been turning inward to find support. Fortunately, it would appear that, at least in the telling of this Foreword Indies Finalist story from former Chicago Tribunewriter Jennifer Grant, the search for spiritual sustenance may not be all that difficult after all, even if these most difficult times.
In her latest book, Grant introduces a young boy who lives in a city that is “packed with people” and yet where he claims to have “never seen God before.” Though the story may be (sadly) relatable, it ends with great hope as, with the help of his grandmother (who advises him that the secret involves “know[ing] where to look”), the boy comes to see the face of the Divine (or at least of Humanity) all around. According to Grandma, the qualifications include patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. And while these may be in ever-shorter supply these days, they do exist, even if we may have to look a bit more diligently for them.
From a familial hug to the support of friends to the quiet escape of a book, the boy begins to see higher purposes and find greater gifts in what may still be everyday elements and so finds ways to support others in kind. Even things as simple as waving to a stranger or holding a door for someone who is having difficulty can make life’s burdens lighter, even if just for a moment. After all it is such moments of which a life is made.
– Matt Robinson
