It is not often in life that the intercourse between two or three individuals results in such harmony of spirit, that every word is received with the meaning it was intended to carry. Such requires an abandonment of personal motive and a humble hunger for truth rarely seen.

In most discussions, each person possesses an agenda of ideas and perspectives, which he seeks to interject into discourse at every potential opening the conversation affords. His object in dialog is to introduce as many of his own points of view as possible, then to maintain and bolster them, while countering his neighbor’s. Most, no doubt, originally adopt their views because of elements of truth once seen in them. But the rest of their life they proceed to wall up every door and window in their mind where more truth might enter.

Unusual as it is, therefore, on this particular afternoon, here were three individuals intent only on probing honestly and with no motive but the truth into the deep meanings of life. With such a point of beginning, the conversation did not take long to settle into the right channels.

“I’ve just never heard the kinds of things Sabina’s been telling me, Herr von Dortmann,” said Matthew at length.

“What kinds of things?” asked the baron.

“About how you make God a part of all you do and think. She mentioned some of it when we were talking in Berlin, but I guess it didn’t really sink in. But being here with your family, and talking to you and seeing how you live, I guess I’m beginning to see how seriously you take your religion. I’ve never known people quite like you before.”

A smile parted the baron’s lips at the word religion, but he made no comment.

“Well then,” he said, “if how we view God is new to you, how are you accustomed to thinking of him?”

“I suppose I haven’t thought of him much. I don’t know, just sort of out there, I guess, looking down on the world from…”

He hesitated.

“From heaven?” suggested the baron.

“Yeah, I guess,” answered Matthew.

“Wherever that is?” added the baron inquisitively.

Matthew nodded.

“But not having much actually to do with the daily goings-on of life?”

“Yes, I guess that’s it. That’s why it’s so different—and if you’ll forgive me for saying so, sir, it’s almost peculiar to listen to Sabina talk as if… as if God is actually a member of your family, and is just walking around beside you all the time.”

“What do you think of a notion like that?”

“Do you really want me to tell you?” asked Matthew hesitantly.

“Of course. Nothing you can say will offend me.”

“Well, sir, it seems kind of spooky—maybe a little fearsome. I’m not sure I altogether like the sound of it.”

The baron laughed heartily.