Forgiveness means that I continually am willing to forgive the other person for not being God โ for not fulfilling all my needs. I, too, must ask forgiveness for not being able to fulfill other people's needs. โฆ The interesting thing is that when you can forgive people for not being God, then you can celebrate that they are a reflection of God.
Henri NouwenThis is what life is about. It is being sent on a trip by a loving God, who is waiting at home for our return and is eager to watch the slides we took and hear about the friends we made. When we travel with the eyes and ears of the God who sent us, we will see wonderful sights, hear wonderful sounds, meet wonderful people ... and be happy to return home.
Henri NouwenPrayer is the beginning and the end, the source and the fruit, the core and the content, the basis and the goal of all peacemaking.
Henri NouwenThe immense joy in welcoming back the lost son hides in the immense sorrow that has gone before....our brokenness may appear beautiful, but our brokenness has no other beauty but the beauty that comes from the compassion that surrounds it.
Henri NouwenHospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.
Henri Nouwen