Being able for the first time to talk openly about God, about the temptations and struggles against the powers of evil, to share in discussing the things I am learning through study of the Holy Scriptures -- This reflection in friendship has been a wonderful and powerful help in my journey toward living into my true self. All of us have hopes and dreams, strengths and weaknesses, faults and fears. We can lighten our burdens and increase our joy simply by opening ourselves to one another within trusting friendships. We learn to love more openly and more unquestioningly. Love in friendship helps us understand and heal wounds from the past -- it's a chance to "do over" and get it right. True affection despite our shortcomings brings us closer to the love of God. Receiving undeserved kindnesses from others shows us the generous heart of God and teaches us to respond in trust and love. Talking over our disappointments, setbacks, and the pain we experience when others hurt us helps us to join Christ in his suffering and to understand that ultimately, these things cannot harm us.
According to Henri Nouwen, in Reaching Out (Doubleday: NY, 1975), loneliness, in the hands of the working of the Holy Spirit, is gradually converted to creative solitude. And creative solitude increases our capacity for deeper friendship. I am looking forward to learning more about this. Pray for me, brothers and sisters, as I enter a week of solitary retreat. Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit, and the souls of those whom I love.
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