The Beauty of Shyness

There is something beautiful about shyness, even though in our culture shyness is not considered a virtue. On the contrary, we are encouraged to be direct, look people straight in the eyes, tell them what is on our minds, and share our stories without a blush. But this unflinching soul-baring, confessional attitude quickly becomes boring. It is like trees without shadows. Shy people have long shadows, where they keep much of their beauty hidden from intruders' eyes. Shy people remind us of the mystery of life that cannot be simply explained or expressed. They invite us to reverent and respectful friendships and to a wordless being together in love. Henri Nouwen Bread for the Journey

I miss this quality in North America. The ability to attract by standing and being half hidden in the shadows. Somehow this reminds me of a parable. Are we the loud ones or the quiet ones? In my English conversation teaching I wonder whether teaching confidence is a good thing or not.

Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: 'Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. Luke 18:11

Fools and Foolery

How do we know something is deceptive? Fake? A Lie?

Well perhaps sometimes it looks too attractive and distracting. In fact seductive that all we can see is that alluring vision. If we find ourselves having to strongly justify this particularly with a sustained rational argument there is cause to be suspicious of the motives in the background. What happened? All you can see is this thing or vision and what is missing is God in the process! In discernment it matters which way you are facing: Whether you are already striving to be faithful and recognize there is a God active in your life or whether you are in denial turning away. Logic has it's place and feeling their place depending on where we're headed. But we can do no good if God is not part of the process.

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” Psalm 14:1