Daily Meditation for May 23, 2023

In a May 12, 1984, Peanuts comic strip, the dog Snoopy is seen strolling toward Charlie Brown and Sally. Snoopy gives each a warm sincere hug. Afterwards, Charlie explains their dog’s behavior to his puzzled sister saying, “You can always tell when he’s been listening to Leo Buscaglia’s tapes.” Encouraging persons to create joy for others, to bring hope to the lost and love to the lonely was at the heart of Buscaglia’s popular University of Southern California’s course titled “Love.” Perhaps this summer, when these radio meditations are not available, we might choose some ways Buscaglia suggests to turn another’s life around. He believes that we often underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, and/or the smallest act of caring. Imagine what could happen if you and I would choose to take his suggestions seriously.

By Lois Wedl, OSB