Wisdom from Van Gogh

I just came across this great quote by Vincent Van Gogh, in Henri Nouwen's book The Way of the Heart:

"There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passersby only see a wisp of smoke coming through the chimney, and go along their way. Look here, now what must be done? Must one tend the inner fire, have salt in oneself, wait patiently but with how much impatience for the hour when somebody will come and sit down - maybe to stay?

Let him who believes in God wait for the hour that will come sooner or later."

from The Complete Letters of Vincent Van Gogh


Source of Fireplace Image: Ryan Mahle