Missionary Renegade: The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Daily Meditation with Father Henri J. Nouwen "The Beauty of Shyness" for Friday, 1 April 2016

Friday, April 1, 2016

The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Daily Meditation with Father Henri J. Nouwen "The Beauty of Shyness" for Friday, 1 April 2016

Photo courtesy of Judith Leckie
There is something beautiful about shyness, even though in our culture shyness is not considered a virtue. On the contrary, we are encouraged to be direct, look people straight in the eyes, tell them what is on our minds, and share our stories without a blush.
But this unflinching soul-baring, confessional attitude quickly becomes boring. It is like trees without shadows. Shy people have long shadows, where they keep much of their beauty hidden from intruders' eyes. Shy people remind us of the mystery of life that cannot be simply explained or expressed. They invite us to reverent and respectful friendships and to a wordless being together in love.

For further reflection...
"Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti."[Esther2:17]
Your response...
How does it feel to know that you are loved before you even say a word?

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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.
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