Joy never denies the sadness, but transforms it to a fertile soil for more joy.

— Henri Nouwen (1932–1996), Priester und Autor

Source: The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Grief & Comfort, Hope & Confidence

Henri Nouwen

Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) war ein niederländischer katholischer Priester, Theologe und geistlicher Schriftsteller, der nach akademischer Lehrtätigkeit in den USA seine letzten Lebensjahre in einer L’Arche-Gemeinschaft in Kanada verbrachte. Er steht für eine Spiritualität der Verwundbarkeit, die unbedingte Annahme des Menschen durch Gott und den bewussten Dienst an Schwachen jenseits von Erfolgsstreben. Bibellesern eröffnet er einen einfühlsamen Zugang zu biblischen Gleichnissen und Themen, indem er theologische Tiefe mit psychologischem Feingefühl und dem ehrlichen Umgang mit eigenen Zweifeln verbindet.

All quotes by Henri Nouwen (575)

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When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
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I asked God for many things so that I could enjoy life. God gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things.
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Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.
Fyodor Dostoevsky

Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.
Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo

For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.
Dag Hammarskjöld

The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.
Alfred Delp

A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.
Frederick Buechner

All quotes · lumen.bible