I have grown to appreciate Henri Nouwen during my adult years. It’s hard to imagine. I have been an adult for so many years already! 🙂 As I read his reflection, it resonated with me as we journey through Lent and anticipate Easter Sunday. If we live in a culture that does not allow our full expression of feeling, how do we even grasp the reality of Good Friday and Easter?
I often consider children’s wide range of emotions in one day. Just imagine if we allowed our adult selves to do the same. What if we expressed the ache of our sorrow or grief and also celebrated the goodness felt in connection with those we love? What if, at the end of each day, we could confidently say I have expressed all the emotions I felt today, including fear, anger, and anxiety?
I am not saying every emotion felt should be expressed, but perhaps Henri Nouwen is onto something. If we expand our range, we will experience perhaps more mourning and sadness, but we will also experience more genuine dancing, delight, and joy! May it be so! ❤️trish