God’s grace for all

Thursday, July 15, 2010

To kick off the Eagle Butte centennial, the Pony Express and several wagon trains rolled into town. Riders left the capital in Pierre early in the morning and rode 2 and 3 mile legs across country to deliver the mail to the main street just before supper.

The governor sent a proclamation proclaiming “Eagle Butte Centennial Days” and the saddle bag that passed between over 30 riders also contained a copy of the first Eagle Butte newspaper and letters to various towns folk. Afterward, everyone gathered in the tent set up on the main street for a BBQ buffalo feed.

In the evening, folks in town held a talent show. Singing karaoke – including a few guitar players – kept the songs and claps of appreciation rolling throughout the night. I wandered through the tent, saying hello to old friends and meeting youngsters who have been born since I was last in town.

It’s surprising to me which folks are most excited when they see me; the folks I worked closely with on altar society or parish projects, or walked with them through a family death or illness that I know will have lots to say. But there were several young adults that I remember as children that I only had occasional interaction with … yet some remember me as a long lost friend that was good to them and their family. You never know the impact you make, or the seeds you plant.

Each encounter with people, even the small ones, can be a lasting occasion of God’s grace.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future. View all posts by St. Joseph's Indian School