Saturday, June 11, 2022

Gift of Ourselves

            My previous blog, Gift of Giving, reflected the need to root our lives in the gift of giving if we are to experience contentment and peace. When we think of leading a life founded on the gift of giving, what might come to our mind immediately are our unique talents (Henry Nouwen). Talents are abilities to do certain things well. For example, one can be talented in repairing digital gadgets, giving powerful speeches or organising programs. It is wonderful to enjoy the talents of others and offer ours to them. However, Life-Guru, Nouwen says, “The real question is not ‘What can we offer each other?’ but ‘Who can we be for each other?’” It can be easier to offer help to others and then retract ourselves into our secure shells, wherein we do not really connect with others. On the contrary, we are invited to genuinely connect with others by offering the gift of ourselves. 

           In offering the gift of ourselves what we really offer others is our own joy of living, inner peace, silence, and our sense of wellbeing (Nouwen). When we offer the gift of ourselves, we live and share with others who we truly are. Living and sharing become one, without any dichotomy, selfishness, or mask. Offering the gift of ourselves is much deeper, powerful, and human than merely offering our talents. Living a life rooted in offering the gift of ourselves brings contentment and peace not only to ourselves but also to others. 

 

6 comments:

  1. Yes it is true life fact what you are sharing , inspire us

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  2. Yes. It is very true.

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  3. This piece of article is short and sweet.its wonderful in content.its a challenge to life.

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  4. This article is very true ,if we can practice in our life.

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  5. Very true..
    Not only doing our duties...
    But also.. emotional availability to others is equally important...that's what makes us human..

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  6. It's absolutely true ,we should practice

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If needed I can be contacted at dearbaptist@yahoo.co.in or +919319925330 (WhatsApp only).

Peace,
John Baptist OFM Cap.
Pastoral Clinical Counselor
San Antonio, TX, USA