I have spent some time gazing at the latest infrared imagery of the galaxy, and contemplating that the latest data would indicate over 135 billion galaxys in the known universe.

Such ponderings, naturally make one feel more than small, and raise the eternal questions of who am I, why am I here, what's it all about...

Descarte solved it philosophically for a while: cogito ergo sum, but modernity probably says it better: I believe, therefore I am human. Belief in ones identity enables one to survive.

Too often ones identity is seen as black or white. But Ratzinger in Introduction to Christianity reflects that

The beautiful black and white into which one is accustomed to divide men changes into the grey of a universal twilight. It becomes clear that with men there is no such thing as black and white, and that in spite of all possible gradations, which do in fact span a wide range, nevertheless all men stand somewhere in the twilight.

To really live in the twilight is to fully appreciate our brutishness to others, and our loving to others, to really appreciate the brutality of others, and to accept the loving of others.

I find peace in knowing that I am loved by some who have seen my imperfections, impatience, insecurities, resentments and frustrations. When we know others accept us unconditionally ones restlessness is sated, and even more so when one comes to realise that God's love and mercy is even greater, beyond the universe.