President George W. Bush, who isn’t always prone to make apologies, made one yesterday to a Los Angeles Times reporter.  Peter Wallsten has Stargardt’s disease, a form of macular degeneration. He was wearing sunglasses when he rose from his seat at a White House press conference yesterday to ask Mr. Bush a question.         

Before Wallsten could begin his question, Bush interrupted to rib him about the sunglasses. The president, who often banters with reporters at press conferences, did not know Wallsten needed the sunglasses to protect what remains of his vision.          

According to an Associated Press report, Bush called Wallsten’s cell phone later in the day to apologize. Wallsten said he interrupted the president to tell him that he was not offended, and that no apology was necessary.  “I don’t want you to treat me any differently because of this,” Wallsten reportedly told the president.         

The two men set a fine example for the rest of us. It’s pretty simple stuff, but too often ignored:

·        Apologize freely and quickly when you mess up.

·        Don’t take offense when none is intended.

·        Let humor soften potential misunderstandings.

The apostle Paul counseled his Ephesian readers, “Get rid of bitterness, rage and anger . . . .  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV).         

Mr. Bush and Mr. Wallsten seem to get the concept. We should all take a lesson. 

B.W.