A couple of weeks ago I jotted a few lines from Henri Nouwen's writings into my journal. I needed it then, and upon hearing the news this early morning about the terrorist attack on Brussels, it appears we need its timely reminder again this morning. Our hearts weep for these dear people as we wonder how we are to live our own lives today in light of these horrors.
Not to keep these heartening words just for myself, I share it on my Facebook page and here on my blog for you ... in case you should also need your heart strengthened today.
by Henri Nouwen
Our Unique Call
"So many terrible things happen every day that we start wondering whether the few things we do ourselves make any sense. When people are starving only a few thousand miles away, when wars are raging close to our borders, when countless people in our cities have no homes to live in, our own activities look futile. Such considerations, however, can paralyze and depress us.
Here the word 'call' becomes important. We are not called to save the world, solve all problems, and help all people. But each of us has our own unique call, in our families, in our work, in our world. We have to keep asking God to help us see clearly what our call is and to give us the strength to live out that call with trust. Then we will discover that our faithfulness to a small task is the most healing response to the illnesses of our time."
In my own personal life, we are well. Cheerful. Happy with pursuits. One in particular stems from my recent meeting with my piano instructor, the one who is delighted to help me master Chopin's Etude in E Major over the next few weeks and, er, months. I'm excited to get working on it in all earnestness. There is more about this here.
And, someone in this house (we won't mention names) has been making gentle noises about how it sure would be nice to have fresh raisin bran muffins cooling on the kitchen counter. Someone around here already hopped out to buy the buttermilk for the recipe, which means the Other Someone around here could leave her happy little office where she can see from her window the birds fluttering in the freshly fallen snow, and make much happy banging of tins and measuring cups in the kitchen and, thereby, making Everyone around here very happy indeed!
On that note, I'm away ... here's wishing you beauty in your day.
Maybe something warm from your oven.
Maybe something warm from your oven.
Up at the corners,
Hugs,
Brenda
♥xox♥
You always bring beauty to a reader's corner of the earth.thank-you for brightening/encouraging my world today! Suddenly I WANT to rattle pans and pots for supper:)
ReplyDeletePeople who can address the stresses at hand with such a thoughtful and appropriate post are very in tune and provide a very special comfort. You're one of them.
ReplyDeleteI like to do a little baking if anyone is feeling a little low and that's how we have a loaf, three-quarters of a loaf, oh, okay, half a loaf of banana bread on the counter.
It's so hard to hear the news and know so many people are suffering. I pray. That's what I feel I am called to do. Enjoy your week sweet lady! And buttermilk makes everything baked better! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteBeautiful writing Brenda.Full of richness and savory morsels..
ReplyDeleteBlessings on your week.
Beautiful reminder! Your call is to be a lover of human kind and encourager to all! <3
ReplyDeleteCute, I can almost smell those muffins and hear you tickling those ivories.
ReplyDeleteI will say, the words from Henri Nouwen, were a sweet aroma to my heart.
Wise and thoughtful words. I hope that your piano playing and muffin baking will bring you great joy! xx
ReplyDeleteDearest Brenda, You don't know how much I needed to hear these wonderful words today. My spirits are so low, thinking about this terrible tragedy and all those affected by this display of inhumanity. These words are so very true - we can only influence our immediate world and hope that kindness, empathy and compassion ripple outwards. Your muffins sound so comforting and learning to play this beautiful music is food for the soul. Wishing you a lovely and blessed Easter, my friend. Hugs xo Karen
ReplyDeleteSometimes you feel that there are no words, but these will do.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
A truly inspiring quote: "We have to keep asking God to help us see clearly what our call is and to give us the strength to live out that call with trust".Cheers!!!
ReplyDeletewe really have to start with friends and family and do the good we can do each day...
ReplyDeleteThat's very wise. Sometimes our "faithfulness to a small task" is what takes us forward.
ReplyDeleteI hope your Easter was a blessed one,
Dewena
Dear Brenda - great post friend for the sadness that seems to be happening. I read this post late and now our hearts break for those in Pakistan. It is wonderful to come visit your inspiring and uplifting words. Thanks for sharing. Hope you had a beautiful Easter. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Brenda! Yes, we each need to do whatever little thing/s we are called to do! Have a lovely week! And so sad some of the happenings in the world...
ReplyDelete