what did I miss? A grocery story in my neighborhood directs cars to underground parking spaces outlined on oil stained concrete in permanent twilight. It is easy to avoid seeing in a space not meant to be noticed. But the other day at the bottom of an escalator exit from the garage, I had to stop. Luminescence poured down from the street above and demanded I look. How many times did I pass without noticing the light - how it blesses an ordinary place - how it calls for me to look up from...

what belongs on a pedestal? Why are heroes cast in stone, clay, or bronze? Why are they mounted high above, larger-than-life, and athletically built? I have heard that leaders should empower, support, and serve their followers. So why are super-sized statues of generals and kings placed above us? If a leader's job is to raise people to greater heights, is it appropriate to view them from below? What if the smallest among us were held up instead? What if a statue asked us to lead from below?...

where is the light? The clouds today are dark and getting darker. The future looks worse. Dystopian and apocalyptic stories took over the mainstream. Disbelief in a better tomorrow is seen as pragmatic, clear-headed, and wise. News feeds and political leaders tell us to focus on the bleakest corners. Frightened people cosplay courage. Is that the best we can do? Certainly, the world is changing and the past will never return. But the smallest light becomes obvious in darkness. Is it foolish...