I was out walking Nugget the other day, and the sun was low, so our shadows were long. It got me thinking about the shadow we cast. I think the old song “Me and My Shadow” was a recognition of the fact that our shadow goes where we go because our bodies always block any light source. We always have a shadow, even if we aren’t entirely aware of it.

Our influence is like a shadow – it gets cast on everything we pass.

Yesterday, one of our neighbours came to our door. I had helped him when he got stuck in the snow. This fellow is not the happiest man on the block. His wife died a few years ago. From what I understand, she was quite outgoing and very involved in our condo community. I think he’s lonely and unhappy with how life has turned out. After our conversation, I said to Wendy, he reminds me of your Dad. Kind of grumpy, quick to blame others for what is out of his control, a bit gruff… and the big telling factor, he doesn’t really like Nugget.

Come on, who doesn’t love Nugget?

As we talked, and he seemed very interested in a discussion, we walked to the end of our driveway, and I asked him if he ever had a pet – a dog or cat. Never had a pet. His parents didn’t like dogs or cats and wouldn’t have them in their house.

Really?!

Well that says a great deal.

I told him how much joy Nugget has brought to our lives; how funny he can be to watch playing in the house; how nice it is to have him happy to see us come home. I really think a pet can bring great joy to any life.

Even Nugget has an influence on us. His shadow is cast on us.

So here is Henri Nouwen to ask you some questions about how you influence others.