Making Choices

Text excerpts taken from “Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life”

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

© 2015 by The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust.

Published by HarperOne.

“Are we working with the poor or choosing to be in solidarity with them? Are we squandering our time or seizing time as a constant opportunity to discover more about ourselves, our neighbors, and our God? Are we structuring our days to be distracted and entertained, or to let our hearts grow more mature and strong? Are we responding to our inner fears and pains by ignoring them, or do we choose to face them and live into and through our fears and pains with the help of others who accompany us? Are we talking or praying, worrying or giving thanks, looking at images that arouse or that bring joy, dwelling with our anger or with the one who can bring peace? All these questions show that we are constantly making choices that can lead us toward God’s way and will.”