On this morning we wander off in search of the things all creatures need: kindness; a smile to reassure the one who doubts their worth. And encouragement: a word that rebuilds what has been torn down.

If we are lucky, we find forgiveness like the scout stumbles upon berries in the woods. A soft quiet rain would be like the pardon we receive freeing us from guilt.

Let us hear when peace is spoken. It is transparent and moves silently. Give us ears to hear it. Give us hearts to sense it when it brushes by.

After all, what is salvation except two friends driven apart by broken trust: reconciled, bonded, and stronger together than before?

Where love and faithfulness meet; where righteousness and peace embrace

Trust will spring up from the ground like grass through the snow.

We wander off this morning in search of what is good; and the earth, and our neighbors, and our faiths will provide it exponentially; if you search.

Relationships made whole again are always just ahead of us, if we wander in search of them. It is only by our footsteps trails are made. We will make a path so their steps will lead them to us.

Amen.