Just. There is just something about that word that captures the imagination of my soul and I find it popping up time and time again in my musings. I have a category called “Just Ranting.” I have written two blogs with the word “just” in the title – well, now three. And, I haven’t even attempted to count how many times I simply used the word within either my blog or my Facebook status or just about anything I write. I could even tweet “just” on Twitter 35 times without spaces.
Just. This fascination with that word calls for some serious research. Off to Merriam Webster or maybe Google or Bing or Roget’s Thesaurus. Let’s just see what turns up. (Pause). OMG! There are at least four Bible print pages defining or discussing the word “just.” I just learned that the word “just” is either an adjective or an adverb and I generally use it as the latter. As an adverb it can mean any of the following: precisely, exactly, at the particular moment, by a narrow margin, barely, at a little distance, merely, only, simply, absolutely, perhaps, and possibly. An amazing number of definitions for such a short word. No wonder I use it so much.
Just. I only thought that the French had idioms but, I find that there are some “just” idioms like “Just about,” “Just now,” “Just then,” and “Just the same.” I even think “Just so you know” might also qualify.
Just. As an adjective however, we should not just be using that word more often but, behaving that way as well. It is the one that has some real meaning and some real depth. “Just” means to be honorable and fair in one’s dealings and actions. “Just” means to be consistent with what is ethically and morally right – in other words to be righteous. “Just” means that something is properly due to you or merited; earned. “Just” means within the law or lawful – something we seem to lose sight of from time to time. “Just” means to be suitable or proper in nature; fitting. Emily Post has turned over in her grave many times about our manners and ability to be proper. Finally, “just” means that something is reasonable or well-founded. If our society were more able to be just, to find justice, and to live together as just people, respecting the dignity of every human being, we might just be a better community of people. I learned too that there are not only the “just” in this world, but there are also the “unjust.” But that’s just another Blog! Enough for now.