Slideshow image

Here is an Advent-themed devotion from the writings of Henri Nouwen for today.

Called Back

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
                            Matthew 9:27

O Lord, all you ask of me is a simple “yes,” a simple act of trust so that your choices for me can bear fruit in my life.  I do not want you to pass me by. I do not want to be so busy with my way of living, my plans and projects, my relatives, friends and acquaintances, that I do not even notice that you are with me, closer to me than anyone else.  I do not want to be blind to the loving gestures that come from your hands, nor deaf to the caring words that come from your mouth.  I want to see you as you walk with me and hear you as you speak to me.

Your heart is so full of the desire to love me, so aflame with a fire to warm me.  You so much want to give me a home, a sense of belonging, a place to dwell, a shelter where I feel protected and a refuge in which I feel safe.  You stand at so many squares and corners of my life and say with so much tenderness, “Come and see, come and stay with me…”

I trust in you, Lord, but keep helping me in my many moments of distrust and doubt.  They are there and will be every time I tur my eyes, ears of hands away from you.  Please, Lord, keep calling me back to you, by day and by night, in joy and in sadness, during moments of success and moments of failure.  Never let me leave you.  I know you walk with me.  Help me walk with you today, tomorrow and always.

Taken from: “The Lord Is Near: Advent Meditations From The Works of Henri J. M. Nouwen.” p. 8.

Photo by Anna Dziubinska on Unsplash