This morning I arrived at the college cafeteria early. I saw a friend of many years with his back turned to me. I approached him from behind and firmly grabbed his shoulder. My intent was to surprise him, but as he was in a state of deep concentration the sudden grasp startled and frightened him. How often in my life have I acted out of love and goodwill only to hurt those I would seek to affirm by my actions? Such occurrences point out the complexity that doing good can sometimes entail. My prayer is that those I hurt when trying to help will recognize that I acted, however ineptly, out of love; and that God will somehow redeem my flawed efforts.
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