[St. Benedict Academy (at Auburndale), Memphis]

Sometimes God invites me to certain places. And instead of trusting, I resist. (I do have some “Jonah-like” qualities in me—reluctantly going where I think I am called to go.)

I had received a call last year from a parent and then a campus minister from a Catholic high school outside of Memphis. They wanted me to come and do a morning of reflection for the faculty and a talk for the student body—right after New Year’s Day.

I have to admit I tried to get them to move the date since it would still be in my holiday (non-travel) season. Their school calendar wouldn’t allow for such a change. So I agreed. But as the joy of my Christmas “vacation” settled in, I wasn’t looking forward to packing up and hitting the road again—especially with some college football bowl games still left! (I watched LSU thump my beloved Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl from the relatively safe environment of a hotel room.)

I am embarrassed to admit that I didn’t want to go because I was touched so much by 2 days at St. Benedict’s.

First, I enjoyed my day with the faculty. I can only imagine that if I wasn’t eager to get back to my routine, the teachers and staff must not have exactly been tickled to come back to school early(before the students returned) to hear me. I was really impressed as I heard them talk about what they felt they should be giving to their students. They talked about compassion, being role models, a clear sense of Christian values, faith and more. They are a very committed group of educators. They are the strength of that school. That’s impressive to me—even more than their new, state-of-the-art $23 million dollar facility.

The next day I spoke to the student body, which is about 900 students . The talk went well; the students were very receptive. I got to drop into some of the theology classes and chat with students about the idea of a relationship with God. I enjoyed hanging out with some students who wanted to chat a little more.

My biggest treat came when I met some students from the Sister Ruth Ann Center. The center is for “transitional high school experience for exceptional children.” Some of the students have Down’s syndrome, others have other learning situations. Students in the program spend the day learning in their own classroom and attending classes with traditional students at St. Benedict’s (SBA). They have gym class, computer, Spanish, and other classes at the SBA campus. Senior students from SBA help out with getting the students where they need to be during the day.

I was sought out by one of the students from the Sr. Ruth Ann Center–Kenny (who, I am convinced, should be in politics). He introduced me to almost everyone in the school, starting with his classmates and then to the cafeteria and maintenance personnel. I think he knew everyone and everyone knows Kenny. He made sure I was okay in the awesome lunch line (some great school food and choices there!).

What impressed me most about this graduating senior was his love of God and how it showed in ordinary ways. He was so welcoming to me and making sure I was taken care of and treated like one of the family. He introduced me not as the guest speaker but as his new friend. Whether Kenny knows it or not, (and something tells me he would know this), he is modeling today the VERY SAME spirit of the school’s founder, St. Benedict. Benedict told the porter (door keeper) at his monastery that to welcome the stranger at the door was to welcome Christ himself. Kenny did this for me.

The purest, most touching gesture came when Kenny asked me where I would be going after I finished at the school. I told him I would be flying home. He didn’t hesitate a second and then said, “Well, you need a blessing.” And he proceeded, unashamedly, naturally, confidently to pray with me.

Okay, that’s the kind of faith I want to have. It just brimmed from this young man.

I enjoyed lunch with his classmates. We talked about things we liked and our favorite foods, cartoons, movies and Bible stories and holidays.

I am so glad I went to St. Benedict’s. Jesus had some pretty important friends of his he wanted me to meet…and learn from.

I want to thank George Valadie, principal; Mary Lou Stauffer, director of spiritual affairs; Michelle Spears, Sr. Ruth Ann Center; and Cindy Hailey, speaker coordinator for their hospitality.

And to Kenny and the students of the Sr. Ruth Ann Center…thank you for making my New Year start on a good note!