Preoccupation with Performing

"In recent years I have become more and more aware of my own tendency to think that the value of my presence depends on what I say or do. And yet it is becoming clearer to me every day that this preoccupation with performing in fact prevents me from letting God speak through me in any way he wants, and so keeps me from making connections prior to any special word or deed." (Henri Nouwen, The Living Reminder, New York: Seabury Press, 1977, p. 30)