Numinous 

The word “numinous ” is one of the few things I can specifically recall learning in a college class. Of course I learned a zillion things that way, but for whatever reason I have a specific memory of the lecture where this idea was first described. 

It is an adjective to describe the wonder/terror you feel in the presence of the Divine. I don’t expect to ever really feel it the way it’s intended to be felt, but sometimes even on this material plane maybe we can approach the numinous in the presence of greatness. 

  
This week I’m in Charlotte NC for a few days, or a suburb actually, and it’s certainly pretty. All the office buildings look fresh-sprung from the lush green grass, and have LEED certification. The wastewater and runoff areas are done up as pretty ponds with fountains. The cars are clean, and driven politely. The breeze is just the right speed and temperature to ruffle the fur on the golden retrievers.

  
Even the little wild areas around the fringe, off the side of the neatly raked gravel walking trail, are served by an extensive sewer system. 

  
And then, on this morning’s walk, validation. That ineffable contentment, that sense of being in the presence of a wholly other level of real estate development, is real, and has been recognized by people who know about that sort of thing. Divine!