Since the publication of Hunting Magic Eels I've used the phrase "sacramental ontology" a great deal with audiences. I take care to define the term. And I think the term is useful. But I do worry that the words "sacramental ontology" make what I'm talking about seem more difficult than it is.
In light of those concerns, my Mom recently told me to check out Larry Fleet's song "That's Where I Find God." Mom shared that the song reminded her of my book. And listening to the song I heartedly agreed, thinking to myself, "This is a country song about a sacramental ontology. Sacramental ontology for good 'ol boys." See what you think. Here's the lyrics and the video:
The night I hit rock bottom, sittin' on an old barstool
He paid my tab and put me in a cab, when he didn't have to
But he could see I was hurtin', oh, I wish I'd got his name
'Cause I didn't feel worth savin', but he saved me just the same
The day out on the water when the fish just wouldn't bite
I put my pole down, I floated around, it was just so quiet
And I could hear my old man sayin' "Son, just be still
'Cause you can't find peace like this in a bottle or a pill"
From a bar stool to that Evinrude
Sunday mornin' in a church pew
In a deer stand or a hay field
An interstate back to Nashville
In a Chevrolet with the windows down
Me and Him just ridin' around
Sometimes, whether I'm lookin' for Him or not
That's where I find God
Sometimes late at night, I lie there and listen
To the sound of her heart beatin'
And the song the crickets are singin'
I don't know what they're sayin'
But it sounds like a hymn to me
Naw, I ain't too good at prayin'
But thanks for everything
From a bar stool, to that Evinrude
Sunday mornin' in a church pew
In a deer stand or a hay field
An interstate back to Nashville
In a Chevrolet with the windows down
Me and Him just ridin' around
Sometimes, whether I'm lookin' for Him or not
And that's where I find God
