Chicago over labor day weekend was a little crowded, but it didn't keep us from doing the normal things that tourists do, like visit the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, and of course shop on the magnificent mile. All of that was fun, but what we enjoy doing more than anything else on vacations is people watching.

As we walked in the Chicago parks we observed people from just about every part of the world. The diversity of Chicago was most obvious on the day we ate lunch in the Signature Room atop the Hancock Building. The food wasn't all that great, but the view was spectacular. While having lunch we heard at least eight different languages, yet all the people there were pretty much dressed alike and all the hairstyles were very similar.

We were all enjoying the same great view, and eating the same food off the buffet.

It occurred to us while sitting there that we have more similarities than differences. We all have the same needs of food and housing, and we share the same desires of being accepted, being loved, and living in a safe world. We cry over similar hurts, and rejoice in similar accomplishments. We are all part of creation and are meant to share this world together and to be there for each other. Being stewards of this world means that we have to acknowledge the goodness that each of us brings to this existence and to nurture that goodness to its fullest. We are the only caretakers of this earth. We have one chance to get it right. What are we waiting for?