Just tonight a dear friend reminded me that we must hold all desires loosely. Even the desires we hold together. Even the dreams we pursue together. Whenever my expectation of a smooth life and "happiness" becomes an idol, my heart bleeds fear.
Another friend passed on this quote from a booklet of Advent meditations by Henri Nowen --
"Learn the discipline of being surprised not by suffering but by joy. As we grow old, there is suffering ahead of us, immense suffering, a suffering that will continue to tempt us to think that we have chosen the wrong road. But don't be surprised by pain. Be surprised by joy, be surprised by the little flower that shows its beauty in the midst of a barren desert, and be surprised by the immense healing power that keeps bursting forth like springs of fresh water from the depths of our pain.
"With a heart trusting that we will get what we need, and a spirit always surprised by joy, we will walk through this valley of darkness performing and witnessing miracles."
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2 comments:
Dan, Henri Nowen is wise in his quote. We do risk pain and suffering in life in the pursuit of joy, happiness and dreams. Life experiences would tell us that these are risks worth taking because it is through Him that the true gifts of life and miracles become realities.
There ARE so many heart-breaking aspects to life in this fallen world. Thanks for the reminder to be surprised by joy rather than pain. It encourages me to look for the best in things and see God's hand at work for good.
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