I am reading a book by Henri Nouwen titled Adam; God's Beloved. It's about a handicapped friend of Nouwen's named Adam. Adam had epilepsy, was in a wheelchair, and couldn't talk. Yet here's what Nouwen says about him: "He was becoming a friend and a trustworthy companion, explaining to me by his very presence what I should have known all along: that what I most desire in life--love, friendship, community, and a deep sense of belonging--I was finding with him. His very gentle being was communicating with me in our moments together, and he began to educate me about love in a profoundly deep way. I am convinced that somewhere deep down Adam "knew" that he was loved. He knew it in his very soul. Adam was not able to reflect on love, on the heart as the center of our being, the core of our humanity where we give and receive love. He could not talk with me about the movements of his heart or my heart or the heart of God. He could explain nothing to me in words. But his heart was there, totally alive, full of love which he could both give and receive."
So evidently words are not necessary for communicating love. Maybe sometimes not even desirable.
No comments:
Post a Comment