The Wonderful World of ... Persons
A thought for today:
“There are two ways of looking at the world,
of entering into relationship with it.
We may see in it nothing but things.
On the other hand, one can lay oneself open to the world of persons.”
--Paul Tournier
Dr. Paul Tournier is one of the pioneers of holistic health care. Around 65 years ago this Swiss physician began writing books, calling health care providers to be concerned about the entire person. The books are classics and need to be referenced in each and every decade. Some of those books are available in the chaplaincy office if you want to read them (The Meaning of Persons, The Healing of Persons, and Medicine of the Whole Person).
Our gadget filled, convenience oriented society puts a great deal of pressure on all of us to look at the world and to relate to the world of things. For example, after a day at work it is often easier to go home and turn on the TV than it is to take twenty or thirty minutes relating to those significant persons in our lives. We could create quite a list of the ways the world of things takes precedence over the world of persons.
The “things” of our society are not necessarily bad or evil. Take this devotional. The world of computers has given us a means of generating this and it is available to anyone in the world. Computers can be a real asset! Tournier’s reminder is about our relating to the world. If we relate only through things, we are missing the wonderful world of heart and soul interaction. Relational time can contribute to healthier living.
Take some time today to “open to the world of persons.” It is a tremendous opportunity that may bring the Holy One closer to you than you ever imagined. Take some time and think about how you are relating to the things and persons around you. May your day be filled with blessedness!
Prayer: God of today, bring another soul my way. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
05.06.09
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