Friday, January 20, 2012

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 153

Today's Daily 5:

  1. thankful for the realization that the really bad days are far fewer than they were even a year ago
  2. thankful for new and unexpected opportunities to share bits and pieces of my story
  3. the grilled chicken pita that I looked forward to all week
  4. a good partner to work with this afternoon
  5. the deep relief of arriving home to my own space, quiet and bedroom, after a very long week

Friday Reflections, January 20, 2012

Today's Friday Reflection is once again written by Henri Nouwen, and is one well worth pondering.

Being Safe Places for Others

When we are free from the need to judge or condemn, we can become safe places for people to meet in vulnerability and take down the walls that separate them. Being deeply rooted in the love of God, we cannot help but invite people to love one another. When people realise that we have no hidden agendas or unspoken intentions, that we are not trying to gain any profit for ourselves, and that our only desire is for peace and reconciliation, they may find the inner freedom and courage to leave their guns at the door and enter into conversation with their enemies.

Many times this happens even without our planning. Our ministry of reconciliation most often takes place when we ourselves are least aware of it. Our simple, nonjudgmental presence does it.