My whole life I have been complaining _x000D_ that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered _x000D_ that my interruptions _x000D_ were my work.
Interpretation
Embracing interruptions can lead to personal growth and understanding the true nature of oneβs work.
This quote by Henri Nouwen suggests that what we perceive as interruptions in our lives may actually hold significant value and purpose. Instead of viewing interruptions as disruptions to our productivity, Nouwen invites us to reconsider these moments as integral components of our work and personal development, reflecting the interconnectedness of daily experiences and the essence of living.
In practice
In a team meeting, I shared a quote by Henri Nouwen to highlight the importance of valuing unexpected contributions from colleagues.
The Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. God loves us, not because of what we do or accomplish, but because God has created and redeemed us in love.
The immense joy in welcoming back the lost son hides in the immense sorrow that has gone before....our brokenness may appear beautiful, but our brokenness has no other beauty but the beauty that comes from the compassion that surrounds it.
Suffering invites us to place our hurts in larger hands. In Christ we see God suffering β for us. And calling us to share in Godβs suffering love for a hurting world. The small and even overpowering pains of our lives are intimately connected with the greater pains of Christ. Our daily sorrows are anchored in a greater sorrow and therefore a larger hope.
To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, welcome, to accept.
Waiting is a dry desert between where we are and where we want to be. (Finding My Way Home)
Becoming the beloved is pulling the truth revealed to me from above down into the ordinariness of what I am, in fact, thinking of, talking about and doing from hour to hour.
Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.
He who seldom speaks, and with one calm well-timed word can strike dumb the loquacious, is a genius or a hero.
The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good. Understanding is joyous.
All is worthwhile if the soul is not small.
It is not good for all our wishes to be filled; through sickness we recognize the value of health; through evil, the value of good; through hunger, the value of food; through exertion, the value of rest.
Caution is the confidential agent of selfishness.
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