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.
And the quality of good judgement is clearly a form of knowledge and skill, as it is because of knowledge and not because of ignorance that we judge well.
The next message you need is always right where you are.
Very few men are wise by their own council, or learned by their own teaching. For he that was only taught by himself, had a fool for a master.
I looked, and had an acute pleasure in looking,--a precious yet poignant pleasure; pure gold, with a steely point of agony: a pleasure like what the thirst-perishing man might feel who knows the well to which he has crept is poisoned, yet stoops and drinks divine draughts nevertheless.
Many of us would probably be better fishermen if we did not spend so much time watching and waiting for the world to become perfect
Gaze into the fire, into the clouds, and as soon as the inner voices begin to speak... surrender to them. Don't ask first whether it's permitted, or would please your teachers or father or some god. You will ruin yourself if you do that.
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