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 that God’s guiding hand will continue to use him as he wills.

As time continues on, patterns emerge and we can see a wonderful tapestry being woven of our experiences and accomplishments. The flaws are there for a bit of a rough texture that adds  humility and the total vision inspires gratitude, the most important things of all. Youth is impatient, but as years pass the “whys” of the past are almost always answered. Confidence is a gift of experience, and the aged more patient than the young for good reason. God continues to work his purpose out as we greet the dawn of each new day with growing hope in the ultimate adventure that buries hope when purpose becomes eternal praise. 

The thoughts shared here represent two special areas that I have had the opportunity to influence and develop in over 25 years of leadership: advocacy for the intellectually disabled, and Catholic education, especially Catholic liberal education and more recently education that includes those with intellectual disabilities and other different learners.