WORK AND FAMILY
Henri Nouwen
5.19.02
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Transcript:
Henri Nouwen was a brilliant Yale professor who left teaching to live and work with handicapped adults. His pace slowed as he learned their simpler ways. He wrote of a growing desire to “simply walk around—to greet people, sit on doorsteps, play ball . . . to live a ministry of presence.”
As Nouwen struggled with his ambition and drive, he often wondered, "if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name . . to use words, handshakes and hugs to say that you not only like, but truly love them.”
I’m Howard Butt, Jr. of Laity Lodge, and like Henri Nouwen, we all struggle to balance work and relationships. But remember—God blesses us, not in spite of, but through people, in the high calling of our daily work.
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
READER'S COMMENTS
To live in the present moment is something I am seeking yet have not been able to realize. It seems as if I am always thinking of what needs to be done next while doing something now. Are there any suggestions on how to live in the present and yet still plan for tomorrow? Thanks, Jeanne
Jeanne 5/20/2002 7:42:19 AM
When we offer mercy and forgiveness we are freed from what is behind us, and when we release our worries and fears we are freed from what is ahead of us. The more we live in the present moment the more available to experience and walk with the great I AM (Note: God acknowledges His past and future presence, but refers to Himself in the present tense). The little chidren and the mentally handicapped patients in Nouwen's ministry are the one's who are able to experience the Kingdom of God. They live in the moment!
scott 5/20/2002 9:23:06 AM
As we celebrated Pentecost yesterday, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, I am once more reminded of my need to recognize and appreciate the gifts of those around me and those that I come in contact with, and not their "shortcomings." This is easier to do when I can "live in the moment."
Thomas 5/20/2002 10:21:54 AM
Sometimes I get caught up in being busy or doing "important things", and I forget that the most important thing is to be present to my daughters. To be interested in what they're interested in, to listen to what they have to say, to play what they want to play are all such simple things but enormously important. I need to remind myself from time to time to not take my life too seriously and to listen and do more with my family. If I worship a God who wants a personal relationship with me I need to mirror that relationship. Certainly there are more important things in this world than my minor concerns yet my relationship is with a God who cares. I want to be a person who cares. Although I may fall short of my goal at times I remain determined to live in the present moment with the people God has entrusted to my care.
Dan 5/20/2002 2:03:41 PM
One of the the tings that helped me live in the present is the revelation that God created a twenty four hour day with both daylight and night for a reason. Its a microcosm of eternity. In the first day creation began and God did everything that was needed for that day and nothing more. Everyday is a complete unit prepackaged within the Ephesians 2:10 life that I live. There are physical needs, but there is the promise of daily provision. There are obstacles, but the power to overcome them is there. There are difficulties, but the wisdom has been provided to resolve them: FOR THAT DAY. I can¨t make demands on Gods provision for circumstances that have yet to present themselves. And they cant present themselves outside of their respective days. I always try to remember my personal definition for worry: Excessive thought about uncertain future events. And I refuse to live where God is not. This is the day that the Lord has made. This is the day. This day. This. Now.