The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Daily Meditation: "The Voice in the Garden of Solitude" for Sunday, 21 January 2018
DAILY MEDITATION: "
The Voice in the Garden of Solitude" for Sunday, 21
January 2017
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.com
Solitude is the garden for our hearts, which yearn for love. It is the place where our aloneness can bear fruit. It is the home for our restless bodies and anxious minds. Solitude, whether it is connected with a physical space or not, is essential for our spiritual lives. It is not an easy place to be, since we are so insecure and fearful that we are easily distracted by whatever promises immediate satisfaction. Solitude is not immediately satisfying, because in solitude we meet our demons, our addictions, our feelings of lust and anger, and our immense need for recognition and approval. But if we do not run away, we will meet there also the One who says, "Do not be afraid. I am with you, and I will guide you through the valley of darkness."
Let's keep returning to our solitude.
For further reflection...
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27: 13,14)
Your response...
Solitude for Henri involves a deep, personal involvement with the living God. How have you experienced this?
Comment on this meditation.
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Out of Solitude".
---
Visit our Bookstore:
Consider our monthly giving program to sustain the ability to extend Henri's legacy and make his work available to those who seek spiritual formation and nourishment. Click here to sign up today.
Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo.
STAY CONNECTED:
The Henri Nouwen Society
No comments:
Post a Comment