The Wisdom of Henri Nouwen

Found this today from Henri Nouwen. There's so much truth and wisdom in this, not just for letters, but for how we interact with each other. I'll let Nouwen say it:

When you write a very angry letter to a friend who has hurt you deeply, don’t send it! Let the letter sit on your table for a few days and read it over a number of times. Then ask yourself: “Will this letter bring life to me and my friend? Will it bring healing, will it bring a blessing?” You don’t have to ignore the fact that you are deeply hurt.

You don’t have to hide from your friend that you feel offended. But you can respond in a way that makes healing and forgiveness possible and opens the door for new life. Rewrite the letter if you think it does not bring life, and send it with a prayer for your friend.

From Sept 4 2009 Henri Nouwen Society