A Lifelong Journey  –  Henri Nouwen

Going home is a lifelong journey. There are always parts of ourselves that wander off in dissipation or get stuck in resentment. Before we know it we are lost in lustful fantasies or angry ruminations. Our night dreams and daydreams often remind us of our lostness.

Spiritual disciplines such as praying, fasting and caring are ways to help us return home. As we walk home we often realise how long the way is. But let us not be discouraged. Jesus walks with us and speaks to us on the road. When we listen carefully we discover that we are already home while on the way.

Going Home 

Even words—

cussed-forth, so to speak—wound

that which lies ever-longing,

hidden in God’s wide arms.

 

We will all die, you know.—

 

So who can explain

those things that

make us hurt each other?

 

Why would someone ask who I am,

knowing—I will become

my own accuser?  Doesn’t anyone

know the meaning of safe?

 

A speck of dust waits,

floats, not-so-blithely, by—singing,

dreaming the same dream,

every waking moment,

 

of a footprint

on something a bit more solid

than shifting sand.