“We are each special and talented and beloved and wonderful.  Humility recognizes that.  Each of us has gifts and shortcomings.  Humility recognizes that.  The trick is to be appreciative of our gifts and compassionately honest about our flaws.”

“In recent years, a few people have been asking different questions about the living world around us.  One of those questions, broadly speaking, is: ‘what do we need to learn from nature in order to contribute to the thriving of all life?'”

Scripture has many stories about people leaving home and returning later on.  The patriarch Jacob flees home because he has cheated his brother Esau.  Years after that, Esau welcomes Jacob back.  The Israelites leave their lands to seek refuge in Egypt and return.  The great hero David becomes a...