Many of us have had experiences similar to Peter. We have tried to exercise great faith, only to be overcome by doubt and fear as we faced the realities of adversity, opposition and the stress of life. As Peter climbed into the ship with his robe soaking wet and his pride battered, he undoubtedly had a few moments to ponder his situation. Probably some of his friends put their arms around him, and perhaps one or two even snickered at his experience.

What others thought, however, did not matter. Unlike his colleagues, he had tried and briefly succeeded. He was alive, and though he may have been embarrassed, he proved his boldness, his faith and his leadership. From that hour, he was certainly much closer to the Son of God who had called him to be a "fisher of men" and saved him from being a long distance swimmer or a casualty of the sea and the elements.

If my measuring skills were accurate, I believe that Mother Teresa was not more than five feet tall and physically very small in stature. In that little lady, however, was a very powerful, loving, and determined spirit. Her care for the poor had become legendary, and after visiting and talking with her for a short time I came to know why. It was a cherished moment in my life to meet someone who was "…doing it unto the least of these my brethren."