The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be cleaning you out
For some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from the beyond.
~Rumi
I saw this rainbow yesterday evening. Earlier in the day, the sun was shining over my home while a tornado tore through a neighborhood only ten miles north. Loss hurts. Good grief, how are we supposed to find delight after such a natural disaster? Ten miles, 1000 miles, the other side of the world - not my home this time. As to the future, I'm not in control. I guess I'll have to welcome whatever guests come my way.
I have several friends in Joplin, MO, so I understand loss. I can't get ahold of them because there is no power in the town at the moment. I can totally relate to this post, your pain, and the wonderful poem you added to the lovely rainbow. We all have things to be grateful for, though, I guess.
ReplyDeleteThe poem by Rumi is wonderful is a perfect.
ReplyDelete