Imprints

I went to a reunion at Wichita State University's Newman Center Saturday night (Newman centers are Catholic parishes located on university campuses). It was a nice opportunity to see once again friends I made years ago, and reflect on those now living only in our memories.

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the evening came when one of the attendees talked of his brother, who died a couple of years ago. He spoke movingly of how his brother wrestled with drug and alcohol addictions - until he became involved with people from the Newman Center.

They reached out and took him in, and he found the acceptance and strength to overcome the addictions and blossom as a person. All because people took an interest in him and showed they cared. Knowing the people involved, I'm sure they didn't think they were doing anything extraordinary.

But it clearly meant the world to the man who turned his life around because of what they did - and to his family.

Sometimes we can tell when we have touched other people's lives. But all too often, we never have a clue.

That's why I believe it matters how we conduct ourselves, that we display "the better angels of our nature" as often as we can.

Because we never know who may be paying attention - and how much of a difference that may make to them....for better or for worse.

We're all human, and we all have bad days. Heaven knows I do. I guess the key is consistency. And forgiveness - for both others and ourselves.