I received some powerful responses to a recent blog post. I was focused on other priorities, so I let my community members know that I had received and appreciated the communication, and would reply when I had time and clarity to sink in to my response.
I think that kind of acknowledgement is courteous and it aligns expectations. Plus, I loved the replies, and looked forward to being able to reply. I wanted my readers to know that.
Dee, one of my readers, replied to this email in a welcome and gracious way. She told me,
- I don't reply to your posts just to get a response from you; I just like to reply! If you don't find the time to reply, I won't be offended.
Dee's clarity is freeing and welcome. And gracious.
To my mind and heart, replies like the ones I received require a response, whether or not their authors do.