Have you seen Star Wars?  Chances are you have.  I ask because I noticed this morning an obituary for Kenny Baker.  Who?  Kenny Baker played the role of the much loved robot R2-D2, who appeared in six of the franchise's films.  Never taller than 3 feet, 8 inches, Baker originally didn't want the part.  Later, he agreed to do it, and is happy he did.
     As I reflected on Baker's passing, I thought of the remarkable way in which many people find a unique niche, a niche that seems made for them, and go on to shine.  In any other age, Baker might have been dismissed as a genetic oddity, fit only for a traveling freak show.  Happily, in our relatively enlightened age, a film director, George Lucas, recognized Baker's potential and gave him a role loved by millions, perhaps billions around the world.  His life and vocational success testifies beautifully to the human capacity, rightly cultivated, for insight, creativity, and compassion.
     Though all of us are well aware of the pain that people inflict on each other every hour of every day, we can rejoice in this moment.  Despite our shortcomings, flaws, and sins, we still can do good (and yes, I am well aware that good is a highly subjective term) things.  We can still recognize our individual greatness and potential.
     It's almost enough to make one believe we've been made in the image of God.  To wit: could plasma and chemicals really produce the capacity to love?