"More and more the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes and hugs that you do not simply like them, but you truly love them."
-Henri Nouwen, from his book Gracias!
Yes! In our world of being "busy" I feel so moved to reject that culture and learn how to "be" with people. Luckily, my job allows me to do this for some extent, becuase I am with people all day and do get to sit on their porch stoops, or go on a walk, all in the name of mental health treatment and community based services, BUT how do we make this how we LIVE? How do we work for a living the 9-5 + a few more hours AND share life with each other in a real and genuine way?! Any ideas about how to make this a reality and not just a pretty quote?
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