Hence, the question . . . is not how to keep people busy, but how to keep them from being so busy that they can no longer hear the voice of God who speaks in silence.
~ Henri J. M. Nouwen, The Way of the Heart
I am gifted by each woman who sits around the table on Wednesday afternoons as we discuss the homework we’ve done since we last met. Different journeys, different personalities, a common desire: to grow deeper in relationship with God.
I carry their words with me into silence as I ruminate on the lesson later, and consider how to walk out my faith. I carry their burdens and praises with me into prayer throughout the week until we gather again.
They bless me through their willingness to walk with me each week on sacred ground in what looks, and feels, like a chilly church basement.
It’s not always easy (it’s never easy) but it always pays back a hundredfold. Just a couple of hours set aside during the week and a willingness to show up, dig in, and grow together.
Priceless.
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Simple happy.
A son stepping up.
A patient husband.
Thursday morning silence and solitude.
Books, and the wisdom of their authors.
This simple moment.
