"In the Middle of Things‿ is a collection of reflective essays that explores a number of questions and paradoxes in a way that reflects an emerging understanding of spirituality as a basic human capacity. Are we born to be good? Why is there always more than meets the eye? Why is an end always a beginning? Can there be strength in weakness, freedom in necessity, light in darkness, life in death? Everyone, regardless of whether or not they belong to a particular faith tradition, is faced with these and many similar questions and paradoxes as they look for meaning in the often complex and perplexing situations of daily life. In the light of our common spirituality, such questions and paradoxes have a power to bring people together in a common quest for meaning that transcends the distinctions between different belief systems. “In the Middle of Things‿ reminds us that ultimately everyone and everything belongs to the wholeness of reality. So, to live as a spiritual person is first and foremost about honoring the incredible diversity-in-unity to which we belong. And we can do this by participating as fully as possible, moment by moment, in our everyday lives.