Longing for Justice "That's not fair!"  The desire expressed by this statement  seems hard-wired into every person.  We long for our circumstances to be just, for people to conduct themselves in a manner that we experience as right, for things to turn out in a way that we can call "good." And we have a picture of what life will look like when that happens.  We may not even be aware of this vision, but when we find ourselves inclined to say, "that's not fair," it signals that what's in front of us and what we envision are not lining up. Our longing for things to be fair, right, and good is sometimes viewed as evidence of immaturity or selfishness.  And this can certainly be the case.  As believers, we are called to align our vision of what is right with God's vision. The prophet Isaiah provides a vision of the justice God wants for the world.  He names Jesus as the one through whom these visions will become reality (chapters 9, 42, 58, 61)

Are You at Home? When you think of the word “home,” what comes to mind?  What makes a place feel like home to you?   Toni Morrison   once said   the most important thing   a parent  can do is   to  allow our   eyes  to light up when a child enters the room.      This simple act-- expressing delight in their presence  through our  body language-- is   an   important way to help our children understand that they have a home in us.    Even as adults ,  our day-to-day interactions influence whether we feel at home in a place, a relationship, a group, or even the world.  Though we are often unaware of this, the people we encounter--their very facial expressions--are giving us information about how others see us and, hence, how we would be wise to see ourselves.  Over time--and especially in our most significant relationships--an understanding of our basic identity is being formed.  We are determining the answer to these questions:  are we seen, valued, cared for?  Most of God's follower

A Different Way to Pray Many years ago at a retreat, I was introduced to a new way of praying.  Rather than using words, we were led in a series of physical postures:        Standing, we placed the palms of our hands over our hearts.         We then lifted our arms overhead, open-palmed.         Arms still lifted and palms open, we paused.         Next, we brought our cupped hands back to our hearts.         Then, we extended our open palms in front of our bodies.           We closed by again lifting our hands, palms towards the sky. After familiarizing ourselves with the different postures, we learned the words our movements were meant to communicate:        Lord, here I am.   palms over hearts        Today, I offer all that I am to you.   arms lifted, palms open        I also come in need, Lord.  Will you fill me anew with your spirit?   arms lifted, palms open         I gratefully receive what you are giving me.  Thank you, Father.   cupped hands to heart         As I move into this