From “Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life” by Henri Nouwen with Michael J. Christensen and Rebecca J. Laird
Where does Henri Nouwen’s path of discernment take us? Gradually we notice that our lives are becoming less chaotic and less filled with drama. We notice that we are less anxious and fearful. Although sometimes we may still feel knotted up with fear or anxiety, we notice that we are nevertheless able to step forward into the unknown to create something new, to offer help or to ask for help. We notice that we feel more comfortable with solitude and with accepting mystery and uncertainty, paradox and ambiguity. We find ourselves having more patience as we listen to those who are struggling. We discover that the deep inner peace we sometimes feel in solitude is also present when we are with others. We find that we are caught up in fewer inner dialogues in which we judge or blame ourselves or other people. These are all signs of the Spirit’s presence.