Who are those who matter most to us?

I know I’ve often quoted Henri Nouwen in the past few months here on the blog, but the truth is he is worth quoting. So I’d like to do that again with a few questions at the end. He wrote this:

“When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”

I think this is so true. So here are a few questions that for me flow out of that quote:

• Who means the most to you? Have you told them that lately? Have you shared with them why they matter to you so deeply?
• When you encounter someone who is hurting, is your first reaction to share words of advice, or share a touch of comfort?
• Who around you needs help today? How can you share in their pain and give them hope?

Worth reflecting on. Worth acting on.