I typed up some quotes from Henri Nouwen's Gracias! A Latin American Journal last week. I read the book months ago, so typing up the quotes was definitely a blessing of revisiting. Some of my favorite passages are far too long to place on here, even though I'd be tempted to do it. This book really impacted me b/c of the living abroad aspect, but in general anything Henri Nouwen writes is quality.
On being loved- and the FREEDOM it gives...
"It seems paradoxical, but the expressions of friendship at Yale of former students and colleagues, and the deep personal conversations, gave me a profound sense of mission. I realized that I was not going just because it seemed, like a good idea, but because those who love me most sent me on my way with affection, support, and prayers. The more I realized that I was truly loved, the more I felt the inner freedom to go in peace and to let all inner debate about motivation subside."
"A true spirituality cannot be constructed, built, or put together; it has to be recognized in the daily life of people who search together to do God’s will in the world."
“There are no silent nights in Bolivia [because of animal noises]. And during the day the voices of playing children join the birds in their chatter. All these sounds come together to form a single unceasing prayer to the Creator, a prayer not of thoughts and words but of sounds and life. How sad it is that thinking often makes prayers cease.”
"One of the most rewarding aspects of living in a strange land is the experience of being loved not for what we can do, but for who we are. When we become aware that our stuttering, failing , vulnerable selves are loved even when we hardly progress, we can let go of our compulsion to prove ourselves and be free to live with others in a fellowship of the weak. That is true healing."
