Daily Meditation: The Beauty of Shyness

DAILY MEDITATION The Beauty of Shyness April 1  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." - Esther 2:17 Your response... How does it feel to know that you are loved before you even say a word? Comment on this meditation. Continue the Inspiration Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Behold the Beauty of the Lord".   Visit our Bookstore: United States | Canada | United Kingdom 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:

Forward This Email to a Friend This email was sent to cbgamb@gmail.com by email_lists@henrinouwen.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | About our service provider. Henri Nouwen Society | 214 - 95 St. Joseph Street | Toronto | ON | M5S 2R9 | Canada

Reflection for Easter Sunday

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Reflection for Easter Sunday HE IS RISEN! Easter morning. A very simple, quiet Eucharist around the table in Madame Vanier's dining room....A small group of friends happy to be together. We spoke together about the resurrection. Liz, who works with many anguished people, said, "We have to keep rolling away the large stones that prevent people from coming out of their graves.'" Elizabeth, who lives with four handicapped people...said, "After the resurrection Jesus had breakfast again with his friends and showed them the importance of the small, ordinary things of life." Sue... said, "It is such comfort to know that Jesus' wounds remain visible in his risen body. Our wounds are not taken away, but become visible sources of hope for others." PRAYER FOR TODAY God of never-failing light, you who created the bright lights of the sky, you who have no hint of darkness, grant that your flame of hope will renew my intention to serve you and to inflame and purify my actions with your love and mercy. Amen. Thank you for journeying with us through Lent. Please consider supporting our important work of extending Henri Nouwen's legacy. Excerpt from The Road to Daybreak by Henri J.M. Nouwen, published by Penguin Random House. Used with kind permission of the publisher. Photo of Henri Nouwen by Frank Hamilton. Used with kind permission. Henri Nouwen Society| 1-866-226-2158 | www.henrinouwen.org STAY CONNECTED:

Forward this email This email was sent to cbgamb@gmail.com by email_lists@henrinouwen.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | About our service provider. Henri Nouwen Society | 214 - 95 St. Joseph Street | Toronto | ON | M5S 2R9 | Canada