Progressing through Holy Week (another thought from Henri)

As this holy week progresses, I'm pulling a bit into myself. Working through some things. Making some decisions. Navigating some changes that are small, and some that are rather large. I'll likely have a post about some of that sometime in the next day or so. But in the meantime, I hope you'll forgive me if I offer you the words of others more often than my own.

Today I have a thought on shyness from Henri Nouwen to share with you. I'm not a particularly shy person, but, as an introvert who definitely prefers a background role in large social settings (or just prefers to avoid said large social settings) I've often been accused of being shy. And, I do know some people who are genuinely shy. Anyway, I like the challenge of this thought. The invitation to a "wordless being together in love."

The Beauty of Shyness

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.

Full Evening

I came home from work.

I cooked dinner for my roommate L. and I, like I do most nights. Tonight was beef stir fry with lots of fresh vegetables and Shanghai noodles.

Together we did some baking.

The sacrament of Banana bread.

And oatmeal cookies. With butterscotch chips.

I chatted online with a dear friend for a bit.

And on the phone with another friend, making plans to attend services together at various places on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. And to spend some time laughing and drinking tea and catching up on Thursday night after the service.

And on the phone with my mom.

And then I showered and crawled into bed early. To do the Lenten devotionals that are drawing to a close. To catch up on some emails.

And to go to bed early.

It was a rather full evening, but not rushed. A nice change in the pace of weeks that have been stressful and rushed and full of struggle and pain.

Favorite Snacks (Prepared for Anything)

A cup of passion tea.

Mini mandarin oranges.

A bag of dried mango.

A package of melba toast crackers.

A couple of hot crossed buns.

I'm not really sure what exactly this day will bring, but I know it's going to bring some changes. Maybe some big ones. So I'm prepared for anything with my favorite snacks close at hand!

Still following the earthquake story...

Rescue Hampered as Aftershocks rattle Italy's Quake Zone

Travelling With the Eyes of God

Slowly, oh so slowly, my heart is again feeling ready to dream of far-away places. Of traveling and praying and walking as a witness to the things God shows me. India seems to be popping up a lot right now. Peru remains constantly on my radar. Back to Italy, and into France, Germany, and Poland. Maybe, maybe even Africa. My heart is tentatively reaching out, testing the waters of dreaming of time spent in these places again, and that is both thrilling and terrifying.

That said, this thought from Henri Nouwen caught at me when it arrived in my inbox last week.

Travelling With the Eyes of God

Travelling - seeing new sights, hearing new music, and meeting new people - is exciting and exhilarating. But when we have no home to return to where someone will ask us, "How was your trip?" we might be less eager to go. Travelling is joyful when we travel with the eyes and ears of those who love us, who want to see our slides and hear our stories.

This is what life is about. It is being sent on a trip by a loving God, who is waiting at home for our return and is eager to watch the slides we took and hear about the friends we made. When we travel with the eyes and ears of the God who sent us, we will see wonderful sights, hear wonderful sounds, meet wonderful people ... and be happy to return home.