The Gifts in Everyone
Have you ever noticed that the unique story of one person can highlight a universal truth about humanity? I often ponder how the Lord uses the story of someone who is seemingly different from myself to teach me that we’re not so different after all.
Today, I talk with Kathy Miklas about her work at QLI, a world-class rehabilitation center in Omaha. She shares with us her story of staring a faith sharing group with her clients and of how, through listening, she has come to the conviction that there are gifts in everyone that need to be shared.
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Jim Jansen – Director of Pastoral Services, Archdiocese of Omaha
with Kathy Miklas
Show Notes
More and more, the desire grows in me simply to
walk around,
greet people,
enter their homes,
sit on their doorsteps,
play ball, throw water
and be known as someone who wants to live with them.
It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence.
Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful,
to do something significant,
or to be part of some impressive project is so strong
that soon my time is taken up in meetings,
conferences, study groups, and workshops
that prevent me from walking the streets.
It is difficult to not have plans,
not to organize people around an urgent cause,
and not feel that you are working directly for social progress.
But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be
to know people by name,
to eat and drink with them,
to listen to their stories and tell your own,
and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs, that
you do not simply like them, but you truly love them.
Henri Nouwen