He who is filled with love is filled with God Himself. -St. Augustine

Day 21 of 365

This is Matthew Kiffmeyer. He’s always smiling, and I mean ALWAYS. That’s why I chose him today on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Lately, it’s occurred to me that one of the greatest affronts to human dignity is assuming the worst in another. If you ever watch the news or scroll through social media, you’ll notice a lot of that exists. Most of us are guilty of making these kinds of assumptions about the next guy (from time to time at least). It’s eating at me. So today I thought….who do I know who is the exact OPPOSITE of that? Mattie K.

Matthew is a talented and award winning athlete, having brought home significant hardware at the Special Olympics here in Hamilton County and in Indiana’s State competition as well over the last several years. Not only is he the youngest son of Joe and Julie Kiffmeyer but he’s the pride of St. Louis de Montfort Parish, in my (not so humble) opinion. He’s the younger brother of Andrew and Jim and big brother to sister Sarah. I could (and maybe I will) tell you more about the entire (incredible and inspiring) family as the year progresses, but today is all about Mattie.

Matt is pure joy. He instinctively stops to hug you and shine that bright grin in your direction if he spots you out and about. In fact, my husband Tom and I were the recipients of his awesome love at mass a couple of weeks ago when he spotted us sitting near the aisle on the way back from communion. I was in the middle of thanking Jesus for loving me when He literally came bounding up to me radiant as the sun and gave me a bear hug through the person of one Matthew Kiffmeyer. Day made.

And so I submit to you on this frigid Martin Luther King Day his words that instruct “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Truer words have never been spoken.

Do you know why there’s not a soul around who both knows the Lord and Matthew Kiffmeyer who doesn’t recognize our good and gracious God in this young man? It’s because his intent is clear and simple. He’s enthusiastic, funny, and most of all he’s about loving others. Period. We could ALL borrow a page from that playbook.

Thanks, Matthew, for reminding me about what’s really important. You are a champion for your fast feet as well as your enormous heart.

Happy MLK Day, everyone!!