I come here a lot now, to this place with the dusty blue walls and a television that plays the Cooking Channel twenty-four seven. We talk softly as we wait for his name to be called. It’s miraculous when you really think about it. The discovery of a way to fight what a body cannot do on its own.

They call his name and take a little life from his vein to test the numbers. He walks outside to breathe in the fresh air as I sit and listen for his name to be called again.

All the while, I watch chairs slowly fill up.

Across the room, the woman leans her head on his shoulder as tears slip down her cheeks. The small elderly woman, her face hidden behind a mask, seems too small for her wheelchair. One by one the chairs fill with those who have this dis-ease. Their faces reveal every emotion on the feelings wheel. A few smiles, lots of fear, sorrow, and weariness. You name it. It sits for all who will notice and see.

I silently pray as they walk by, imagining each one entering God’s presence. Oh how I hope they feel loved beyond belief. I feel exposed by the lone tear that traces a path to my chin. Because I’m not feeling too loved right now. I’m just another chair in the room, another voice in the growing noise of this crowd.

Softly in the background of my mind, a tune begins to play. As the melody draws my attention, three words become clear. Over and over they play like a scratched record.

What a God. What a God.

The chorus is all I know, so I google the rest.

Who thought I’d find You at the lowest place?
Who thought You’d feel me in the crowd?
Who knew You make good of my mistakes?
You’re nothin’ like I thought You were, You’re better

What a God, what a God (whoa)
What a God, what a God (whoa)
What a God, what a God
Oh, it’s who You are
What a God, what a God
_{SEU Worship}

It’s true. This is a low place, and I’m feeling a little lost in the crowd. But as Spirit sings a song of worship over those of us sitting here,

I feel seen.
I feel noticed.
I feel loved.

And in this moment, that’s more than enough.

Oh how I pray you sense it too. No matter what dis-ease you are facing, what grief you’ve been given to bear, may you feel noticed, loved, and embraced in the arms of the One who sees you.

May you sing along with me…

What a God. What a God.

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Want to listen to the full song? Click below.