“Although the ministry of presence is undoubtedly very meaningful, it always needs to be balanced with a ministry of absence…If it is true that ministers are living memories of Jesus Christ, then they must search for ways in which not only their presence but also their absence reminds people of their Lord. It calls for the art of leaving, the ability to be articulately absent. I am convinced that there is a ministry in which by our absence God can become present in a new way. In the words of Jesus to his disciples, “It is good for you that I go away.”

Henri Nouwen


I really dig this quote. It has been very helpful for me today.