Home » Blog » Called to be Peacemakers

Called to be Peacemakers

kindness-blogpicWhen I was home to see my brother and sister-in-law recently, Becky and I went to the farmer’s market on Saturday morning.

Becky was happy to see her jeweler who was there. Steve was born in India and began making jewelry at age seven. His creations are exquisite.

But Steve had another kind of precious gem to offer us that morning.

The conversation went like this: “My children ask me, ‘Dad, why do you smile at everyone?’”

His reply was that we never know what is going on in another person’s life that day or in the past. Perhaps just one smile could make a small difference.

Steve applied the same reasoning to someone who might treat him badly. He would not treat that person badly in return.

He would treat the worst human being on earth with kindness and compassion because we never know what that person has endured.

As we left this man’s presence, I felt deeply graced as if I had just received a sacrament. I was in the presence of Holy Mystery.

Share this:

Sister Donna Butler

Sister Donna Butler

Sister Donna Butler has been a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for more than 60 years. Sister Donna has served in elementary education, parish ministry, diocesan social justice, as well as the Congregation’s liturgy office, archives department and social justice outreach. She also administered as the director of the Providence Volunteer Ministry. Sister Donna currently volunteers in outreach with Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College students.

Plan for your future!

Leave the things you value to the people and purposes you value most.

Updated Estate Planning Info. here

Our Lady of Providence

The Sisters of Providence are here to pray for the real needs of your family.

Learn more here

6 Comments

  1. Avatar Linda Drummy on September 20, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Sister Donna,
    That is lovely and a good reminder! I love your writings.
    Thanks,
    Linda

  2. Avatar Rita Clare Gerardot on September 20, 2016 at 9:07 am

    Donna, a beautiful reminder that a smile is something all of us can give one another. How true it is that we never know what is happening in another’s life when we encounter them. Small acts of kindness can change the lives of so many.

  3. Avatar Bev McGuire on September 20, 2016 at 10:38 am

    Sister Donna,
    What a beautiful heart this man has. Thank you for sharing this story with us. It is a good reminder of the power of kindness. I always enjoy your writings.

  4. Avatar Paula Modaff, S.P. on September 20, 2016 at 3:46 pm

    Thanks, Donna. You gave me one of your best smiles earlier this week and it meant the world to me. Up with smiles!

  5. Avatar Steve Butler Sr on September 21, 2016 at 6:11 am

    To my dear Sister Donna,
    I love your writings and this one was very special. You have a knack to see and put into words what some
    Of us do not see………………….God bless you!

  6. Avatar Moy Ben on September 23, 2016 at 1:25 am

    It’s different with most people these days – not only do they smile, they’re also loud and laughing, sometimes cursing remotely by cell phone. God bless us!

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.