Be the Reason Someone Smiles

During the Brothers’ Retreat in Castletown, Portlaoise, in September/October for four days, I had a strong wish to take to the walk path of about a mile around the familiar ‘High Field’ there, as I often did many times before.

The full round was too much for me, I knew, but I did twice enjoy the shorter path from side to side nearest the ball alleys. I stopped at the end of the path because a small rough-cornered piece of slate, with writing in white letters, grabbed by attention. To my surprise and delight I read these words: ‘Be the Reason Someone Smiles’. I said to myself that I wanted to cherish this moment and these inspirational words.

I wrote them in my diary as soon as I could, and later shared them. I thought it a beautiful way to greet the walkers on this ‘De La Salle Camino’. I was told that there was a similar surprise and greeting at the corner of the path at the opposite end. I will walk there at another time.

Mo bhuíochas (My thanks) to the thoughtful artist and scribe.

Seoirse de Faoite

Autumn ’21