A Freeing Perspective on Serving Others

Sometimes powerful things are said simply.

The following excerpt from the writings of Henri Nouwen is a great example. It stands out to me because it addresses my struggle to balance serving others with enjoying life, a topic I wrote about here.

Nouwen’s perspective gave me peace and clarity regarding that struggle. He approaches it with a spiritual bent, but the concept applies regardless of your place on the belief spectrum. I hope you find it helpful as you take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

The more I think about the human suffering in our world and my desire to offer a healing response, the more I realize how crucial it is not to allow myself to become paralyzed by feelings of impotence and guilt. More important than ever is to be very faithful to my vocation to do well the few things I am called to do and hold on to the joy and peace they bring me. I must resist the temptation to let the forces of darkness pull me into despair and make me one more of their many victims. I have to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and on those who followed him and trust that I will know how to live out my mission to be a sign of hope in this world.

– Henri Nouwen, You Are the Beloved

For the Dec 21, 2024 Daily Meditation from the Henri Nouwen Society. Text excerpts taken from “You are the Beloved” by Henri J.M. Nouwen © 2017 by The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust.