Henri J. M. Nouwen - Here and Now

One day I simply sat down behind my desk and began to write down thoughts and feelings that emerged from my mind and heart. Except for the Bible, I had no other books to quote from. Once I had started I was surprised how easy it was to keep writing. It seemed as if each thought called forth another thought and each feeling gave birth to another feeling. It became a long examination of conscience, an extended personal statement of faith, and a series of glimpses into the kingdom of God. I found I was writing about myself, my friends and family, and my God, all connected in many intricate ways.

Much of what I have written has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, much too, has come to my spiritual awareness during the last few years, and much appeared as new and surprising as I wrote these meditations. I didnt try to be original, but to be authentic. I didnt try to say things I had never said before, but things that really matter to me. I didnt try to write a new book, but to meditate on life as I am trying to live it. Some of the reflections in this book can also be found in earlier books; others are new. But all are an expression of my present state of mind and heart.

The various meditations in this book stand on their own. They can be read independently of each other. Still I have tried to weave the different meditations around some larger themes, so that when read together, a coherent vision of the spiritual life becomes visible. It is like a mosaic: each little stone has a unique significance, but together, and seen from a certain distance, they show something new that each individual stone cannot show.

I hope and pray that you who read these meditations will discover many connections with your own spiritual journey, even when that journey is very different from my own. I trust that these connections will make you aware that we are traveling together toward the Light, always encouraging each other to keep our eyes fixed on the One who is calling us home.