Making All Things New, Henri Nouwen
One of my favorite spiritual writers is Henri Nouwen, a Dutch priest who taught at Yale, Harvard, and spent the remainder of his life as a pastor ministering to the severely handicapped at the L’Arche Daybreak Community in Toronto, Canada. 1981 Harper San Francisco, 95 pgs. I read this small book while on my flight home the other day, and even though it is a quick read, the principles Nouwen touches upon are very weighty. What does it mean to be spiritual, and really how does one come to a place in their life in which to listen to the words of God? This book offers practical insights towards spirituality, with some help and guidance for our varying emotions. The work is broken up into three parts: All these other things, His kingdom first, and Set your hearts. What happens when we attempt to embrace silence and solitude? Usually the internal noises are louder than that which is without. Nouwen invites the reader to establish habits of silence which over time will counter the roar of the world and its distractions. In some ways I found that the only missing element was in connecting the dots for the average parishoner who may not be familiar with some religious phrasing. Interestingly enough though, I do love how Nouwen wishes to write in a way that is inclusive for those who are not even Christian, recognizing that all people have a longing for spiritual things. Check it out and let me know what you think.