Stuck on the fridge in the kitchen I grew up in, Mom and Dad had a few quotes that were more like prayers including “Give me enough light for the next step” attributed to the great Henri Nouwen.
Similarly, Sue reminds us to ask “What are you relying on to help you take a step forward today… and tomorrow?”
In the midst of change, while visions are important, sometimes visions can be overwhelming and unhelpful as they feel too big, too far away, too unrealistic. In a world of being inundated with information, demands, of faster, of more, we can buy into the vision and yet be stuck in the today, in the day to day.
For ourselves and for those we are bringing about change with, it is important to talk about and be clear not only on the overall direction or vision, but what we need to do today, where to step next – not what next 5 steps to take, just the next one. There is power in simply being able to see where to step next.
The fuller Henri Nouwen quote is:
“…Mostly we have just enough light to see the next step: what we have to do in the coming hour or the following day. The art of living is to enjoy what we can see and not complain about what remains in the dark. When we are able to take the next step with the trust that we will have enough light for the step that follows, we can walk through life with joy and be surprised at how far we go. Let’s rejoice in the little light we carry and not ask for the great beam that would take all shadows away.”
Henri Nouwen
One of the best things I will always have in my ? during that difficult time of Mom’s last days. I’ve used it many times since to help others and myself get through challenges of daily life.
Well said as always lil Bro. Love you