Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith

I was given "Bread For The Journey" at a particularly low point in my life and will personally attest to its restorative power. Henri Nouwen was the rare soul who wrote from a soul molded by the living heart of scripture and informed by compassionate hands-on caregiving. BFTJ is a daily meditation guide that delves into the pith of religious experience from the Christian point of view. Nouwen's deep insights into the Eucharist are sometimes startling and far deeper than the warmed-over tripe often doled out by those of lesser spiritual prowess. But his gentle words always point with love toward healing the brokenness that is part and parcel of the human experience. So fascinating are Nouwen's thoughts that one is tempted to wolf them down. But taken in small mouthfuls, chewed well and digested thoroughly, they can be healing to the mind and soul. They can also prepare the reader for properly receiving the Eucharist, not as a mere matter of habit, but as a healing ritual that connects to (and overcomes) one's own sinfulness, nourishing the spirit.

I have read the works of the late Fr. Henry Nouwen off and on now for almost thirty years. His writings have been a source of enlightenment, education and comfort as I have made my journey through life. While it had been a while since I hade read much by Nouwen, I began reading through this devotional this year, at the suggestion of a friend, and I have been not been disappointed. These short daily messages have been a source of deep inspiration encouragement and comfort to me and I am continually amazed at the deep and profound insight that Nouwen possessed about life and faith. I have and will continue to recommend this book.

"The very best translation of the Bible" (I enjoy saying this to friends ---- always pausing for dramatic effect) . . . "is the one you pick up and actually READ every day." By my own standard then, I'd have to say this is my second-favorite book. Published at the time of Henri Nouwen's death in 1997, it is almost without peer. There is one other that may be as good: Mother Teresa's book of 365 daily meditations, "The Joy in Loving" published the same year. Yet, Nouwen's "Bread for the Journey" may appeal to an even wider audience --- for reasons that become evident the moment you open it anywhere. Well, we're only as good as our latest work . . . so why not start literally with 'yesterday, today and tomorrow.' You'll find each reflection interlocks with the previous one, and each is barely 100 words. Just see if these thoughts don't speak to your heart . . . (Yesterday, January 17) -- BE YOURSELF Often we want to be somewhere other than where we are, or even to be someone other than who we are. We tend to compare ourselves constantly to others and wonder why we are not as rich, as intelligent, as simple, as generous or as saintly as they are. Such comparisons make us feel guilty, ashamed or jealous. It is very important to realize that our vocation is hidden where we are and who we are. We are unique human beings, each with a call to realize in life what no one else can, and to realize it in the concrete context of the here and now. We will never find our vocations by trying to figure out whether we are better or worse than others. We are good enough to do what we are called to do. Be yourself! (Today, January 18) -- FINDING SOLITUDE All human beings are alone. No other person will completely feel like we do, think like we do, act like we do. Each of us is unique, and our aloneness is the other side of our uniqueness. The question is whether we let our aloneness become loneliness or whether we allow it to lead us into solitude. Loneliness is painful; solitude is peaceful. Loneliness makes us cling to others in desperation; solitude allows us to respect others in their uniqueness and create community. Letting our aloneness grow into solitude and not into loneliness is a lifelong struggle. It requires conscious choices about whom to be with, what to study, how to pray, and when to ask for counsel. But wise choices will help us to find the solitude where our hearts can grow in love. (Tomorrow, January 19 - CREATING SPACE TO DANCE TOGETHER When we feel lonely we keep looking for a person or persons who can take our loneliness away. Our lonely hearts cry out, "Please hold me, touch me, speak to me, pay attention to me." But soon we discover that the person we expect to take our loneliness away cannot give us what we ask for. Often that person feels oppressed by our demands and runs away, leaving us in despair. As long as we approach another person from our loneliness, no mature human relationship can develop. Clinging to one

I have found this book so helpful that I have used it as my morning devotional book two years running. Each day's reading is brief, yet so thought provoking. There is much spare space on each page and in my copy of the book all the spare space is filled up with thoughts and ideas provoked by the readings. I have given away at least ten copies of the book as gifts and I have invariably been thanked for each gift. If life is a journey, here are a set of helpful road signs.

This book leads one gently through all the themes of life with Christ. I love to give it as a graduation gift because it is mature, but not overwhelming. It is an invitation, one that can be picked up at any time of the year, and there is a short message. Worth having the head of one's bed - that's why I give it.