Sacramental Living

“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 truly love them.”

- Henri Nouwen

I know I’ve promised some upcoming posts focusing on various “Why’s” … but I’m still stuck on this one.  Additionally, inspiration has been fleeting and anger and bitterness have been prevalent.  I’d rather not write under those conditions.  So in the meantime, I’ll continue on this topic.

Tonight has been a doozy of a night at the Shelter.  I’ve been dealing with various issues from over the weekend.  We’re six men over what our capacity really is.  I had to excuse a few guys for showing up drunk.  Dealt with a few resident’s personal issues.

But as the evening wore on, I had some wonderful experiences.

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Lately I’ve been connecting with more US Americans who are on a similar journey through (and away from) the institutional church.

It’s encouraging to know there are some Ezekiels, Isaiahs, and Jeremiahs out there.

Imagine how lonely the original prophets must have been. They were blessed because everyone spoke evil of them, hated them, derided them for not getting with the system.

But it was a lonely blessing.

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