It is said that the young look to the future and the old look to the past. I suppose that means that those in middle age look both directions… to the past with pride as well as some embarrassment and regret, but to the future with an ever growing confidence in God’s guiding hand that will continue to use us as he wills.

As time continues on, patterns emerge and we can see a wonderful tapestry being woven of our experiences and accomplishments, albeit with a few flaws thrown in for texture. With that glance we develop humility and gratitude, the most important things of all. With patience, the “whys” of the past are almost always answered. Confidence is cumulative, so perhaps that is why the aged are more known for their patience than the young. God continues to work his purpose out in the dawn of each new day.

The thoughts shared here represent two special areas within which I have had the opportunity to influence and define the mission of organizations in over 20 years of leadership. Those area are advocacy for the intellectually disabled, and Catholic education.