| Dear Friends, Like many of you I have spent the past week fearful for myself, my family and our world. This time of uncertainty and vulnerability offers each of us an opportunity to reflect on what is truly important and what is not. In this spirit, I have found myself deeply appreciative for a gift I received from Henri Nouwen almost fifty years ago. It is a gift I now want to share with you. In 1973 I was a 23-year-old student from a small town in South Carolina at Yale Divinity School. Sitting in the second row of a seminar-style classroom with fifteen other students, I remember a 43-year-old Henri Nouwen as he walked quietly into class, leaned against his desk and silently waited for an unusually long time before he spoke. He then, out of the silence, asked each of us a question we had never heard before: "What does it mean to truly and authentically be with another person?" That was it. No lecture. No information or scholarly opinion. Only a single question that speaks to the heart of something very powerful in the human spirit-the need for deep connection with others who care about us. As we struggle to keep a safe physical distance from both strangers and loved ones, Henri's question reminds us that being "physically present"-as is often the case in many social settings-can never replace the emotional and spiritual presence that is at the heart of "being with" another person. Indeed, what we all need-and what each of us can provide to another human being-is our desire to be present and our recognition of the privilege it is to share the burdens we all carry during this challenging time. If Henri's question speaks to your heart, I hope you will share your thoughts and reflections with someone you know. Also, I would love to hear from you directly via email (henryfreeman@henrinouwen.org) or through comments you may want to share with others on our Daily Meditation page. On behalf of the Nouwen Society board and staff, I want you to know how much you are valued and loved. As we know from Mathew 28:20 God is with us always and we are in this together. Our blessings to you and your loved ones during this challenging time. With Gratitude,
Henry Freeman Board Member Henri Nouwen Society Board
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