We give gratitude to Michael John for his meaningful Facebook post that speak and feed the spirit, and allow us to look deeper into our souls through service, giving, receiving, and time of rest and renewal.
The below is one of Michael John's most recent positive and thought provoking Facebook post.The words spoke to us at Living Stones Ministries Rock On!, and we were inspired to share with you.
A Time to Receive and a Time to Give - from Henri Nouwen's Bread for the Journey
It is important to know when we can give attention and when we need attention. Often we are inclined to give, give, and give without ever asking anything in return. We may think that this is a sign of generosity or even heroism. But it might be little else than a proud attitude that says: "I don't need help from others. I only want to give." When we keep giving without receiving we burn out quickly. Only when we pay careful attention to our own physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs can we be, and remain, joyful givers.
There is a time to give and a time to receive. We need equal time for both if we want to live healthy lives.
- Henri J. M. Nouwen
"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." - Ephesians 5: 17 (NIV)
Living Stones Ministries Rock On! recommends reading a books by Henir Nouwen's and Jean Vanier, (See below about L'Arche.)
L'Arche of Tahoma of Hope
The Mission of L'Arche is:
- To make known the gifts of people
with developmental disabilities,
revealed through mutually transforming
relationships; - To foster an environment in community
that responds to the changing needs of
our members, while being faithful to the
core values of our founding story; - To engage in our diverse cultures,
working together toward a more human
society.
"When do you give attention, and when do you need attention?"
ReplyDeletePay attention by looking deeper. "There's a time to receive and to give."