janbear
06-14-2006, 05:31 PM
Message
free2bunme
Moderator
Age: 35
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Posts: 1066
Location: atlanta, georgia
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 1:28 pm Post subject: Absence That Creates Presence
Absence That Creates Presence
It is good to visit people who are sick, dying, shut in, handicapped, or lonely. But it is also important not to feel guilty when our visits have to be short or can only happen occasionally. Often we are so apologetic about our limitations that our apologies prevent us from really being with the other when we are there. A short time fully present to a sick person is much better than a long time with many explanations of why we are too busy to come more often.
If we are able to be fully present to our friends when we are with them, our absence too will bear many fruits. Our friends will say: "He visited me" or "She visited me," and discover in our absence the lasting grace of our presence.
_________________
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good. Proverbs 19:8
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
free2bunme
Moderator
Age: 35
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Posts: 1066
Location: atlanta, georgia
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 1:28 pm Post subject: Absence That Creates Presence
Absence That Creates Presence
It is good to visit people who are sick, dying, shut in, handicapped, or lonely. But it is also important not to feel guilty when our visits have to be short or can only happen occasionally. Often we are so apologetic about our limitations that our apologies prevent us from really being with the other when we are there. A short time fully present to a sick person is much better than a long time with many explanations of why we are too busy to come more often.
If we are able to be fully present to our friends when we are with them, our absence too will bear many fruits. Our friends will say: "He visited me" or "She visited me," and discover in our absence the lasting grace of our presence.
_________________
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good. Proverbs 19:8
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18