In the minds of many people, the circle is a symbol of inclusivity. But circles can also be very exclusive.

It is very convenient to drive up to a metal box place an order turn the corner of the building and pick up a meal in a colorfully decorated bag But indulging our penchant for speed and convenience is often paid for by the loss of human sharing There is something very intimate about eating with

If you were approached by God as was Solomon and told ldquo Ask something of me and I will give it to you rdquo how would you respond Would you ask for money A happy family Good health World peace Solomon asked for ldquo an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish righ

I see trees of green red roses too I see them bloom for me and you I see skies of blue and clouds of white the bright blessed day the dark sacred night And I think to myself what a wonderful world Several decades ago the jazz musician Louis Armstrong was inspired by the magnificence of the n

One of the great disappointments of my life was the painful realization that every religious group to which I belong is imperfect This should not have surprised me Religious or not each group is made up of limited human beings Still idealistic as I was I expected more of religious people But

In the ancient world hospitality was not merely a point of etiquette it was a requirement for survival in a perilous world There were no general stores and travelers depended upon the goodwill of others for food shelter and necessary supplies while they were on a journey The custom assured str