Wisdom from Nouwen


"Country Lane with Two Figures"
Vincent Van Gogh


We all have wounds. We all live in pain and disappointment. We all have feelings of loneliness that lurk beneath all our successes, feelings of uselessness that hide under all the praise, feelings of meaninglesness even when people say we are fantastic - and that is what sometimes makes us grab onto people and expect from them affection, affirmation and love that they cannot give. If we want other people to give us something that only God can give, we are guilty of idolatry. We say, "Love me!" and before long we become demanding and manipulative. Its so important that we forgive one another - not once in awhile but every moment of life. This is what makes community possible, when we can come together in a forgiving and undemanding way.

-119 - "Spiritual Direction"

Comments

John Santic said…
Santosh,

Nowen's writing's are so comforting and I don't know why I don't spend more time in his words. Thanks for meeting with us last Wed.

Peace.
6:00 PM
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