I've been reading Henri Nouwen's ¡Gracias! - A Latin American Journal that he wrote during his six months in Bolivia and Peru in 1981-1982. His Wednesday, February 3, entry deeply resonates with me: "Writing letters has become extremely important for me during this long absence from home. I have discovered in myself a growing freedom to express to my friends my feelings simply and directly. A deep change is taking place in me as I write down what is most joyful and most painful for me. I find myself hardly interested in telling about the daily events of my outer life, but strongly compelled to share openly, even nakedly, what is happening within me. I no longer feel that I have anything to lose: all I have I can give. Writing letters is becoming a way of self-emptying, of being nothing more and nothing less than someone who wants to give and receive love. It seems that the poor people of Pamplona Alta have taught me this. They keep telling me without words: 'All you have is yourself, so do not hide it from those you love.' "
It seems there are a few people, at least, who are interested in reading what I have to say. Perhaps, just maybe, this blogging can be for me what letter writing was for Nouwen. I can no longer say that I am "away from home" for I have been in this new place for three years now, and it has become my home. I also hesitate to add to the overwhelming amount of words that already exists out there. A part of me feels like everything there is to say has already been said. But then, maybe some of it needs to be said again...I am unsure...
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