To be able to enjoy fully the many good things the world has to offer, we must be detached from them. To be detached does not mean to be indifferent or uninterested. It means to be nonpossessive. Life is a gift to be grateful for and not a property to cling to. A nonpossessive life is a free life. But such freedom is only possible when we have a deep sense of belonging. To whom then do we belong? We belong to God, and the God to whom we belong has sent us into the world to proclaim in (God’s) Name that all of creation is created in and by love and calls us to gratitude and joy. That is what the “detached” life is all about. It is a life in which we are free to offer praise and thanksgiving. by Henri Nouwen found at Soul Food UK
This passage connects nicely for me to the previous one I posted by Barbara Crafton. We are called to nakedness which is also a call to freedom.
There is lots still stirring in me and I will have time to explore more later today or tomorrow. My new computer is finally all set up and my DSL connection should be up and running this afternoon if all goes well. In the meantime, Lenten blessings! May you experience an inner loosening and release during this holy season.
-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts