I think Henri was like... (fc)

If a young Henri Nouwen were here this morning it wouldn’t take much cajoling to get him to speak to us.  And if he did he would shyly walk up here, but once he began you would be struck by a couple of things.  One, you would be captured by the way he used words- his brilliant eloquence.  But secondly, you would be entertained by this brilliant clown who flailed his lanky limbs awkwardly around, never standing still, and pausing with crazy eyes and a big smile after a point well made.

But if an older, road weary Henri Nouwen were here this morning I think he would be sitting back there in the corner.  And he would be irreverently fidgety.  He was ADD with everything except for one thing- people.  If he were here he would lock onto the person seated around him who looked the most lost and lonely- and he would secretly hope and pray for an opportunity to know them.  And if that person were you, you would shake his hand and he would look at you in a way you’ve rarely if ever been looked at- with eyes full of expectation, joy, love, and unconditional acceptance.  He would probably want to ditch this sermon for the opportunity to have a cup of coffee and get to know you- and while you talked you would never doubt that you had his undivided attention.  And after your encounter you would feel loved by Henri and loved by God.

(excerpt from a biographical sermon on Henri Nouwen)