Editorials

INFLUENCE. WHAT A TRICKY WORD.

MENTION CHURCH and people often think of white steeples reaching towards blue skies. Or gothic cathedrals in Europe.

THESE DAYS ON THE MAIN FLOOR of the Mary Baker Eddy Library is an exhibit of one of her handsome carriages. The theme of the display is "Private carriage, public journey.

LIKE AN EARLY-SPRING SUNRISE that quietly shifts the whole winter landscape into retreat and also brings hope to a solitary sparrow that stayed and rode out the storms of winter, the renewing power of God impacts both the very large and the very little. The Psalmist suggests as much.

For New Englanders —especially those who live near one of the many ponds here—the crooning of the Canada geese flying overhead is a familiar sound. Vast numbers of these birds zoom across the sky in mighty squadrons, routinely covering thousands of miles on the north-south migration trail.

THE WORD ACCESS MEANS "freedom to enter or obtain," and often implies the need to remove obstacles. People across the world want access to so many of the same things—to clean water, sufficient food, good schools, honest information, reliable healthcare, and an overall secure life.

WITHOUT FORWARD THRUST, an airplane has no lift. But with sufficient forward thrust, the plane—which can weigh hundreds of tons—moves gracefully aloft.

THE MAGAZINE YOU HOLD IN YOUR HANDS is unique in the world of journalism. Many magazines are committed to journalistic excellence—integrity, accuracy, high standards.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR when Christians celebrate the holy birth of Jesus. Yet, for many, these days can feel more frenzied than holy.

RECENTLY I FOUND AN INTERESTING, if somewhat skeptical, article on the Internet called "An Epidemic of Gratitude" and subtitled, "Our World is Awash in Gratitude, Most of it Insincere. " (www.