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 are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing 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 beyond.
—Rumi
—Rumi
That Rumi is without a doubt far more philosophical and gracious about those visitors than I am.
ReplyDeleteYes, the conflicted B&B of the soul. I had an email this morning which said, It is all God, it is all good. Now, to hold that thought...xo
ReplyDeleteSome of these guests tend to over stay their welcome.
ReplyDeleteperhaps if we can think of them as temporary visitors and not full time occupants, their tyranny will be broken?
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the holiday weekend.
x
Sister Angella, I'm a visitor trapped in my parent's camper again this weekend. Yes, I'm at the beach once more. But I'd rather be a guest at your house right now.
ReplyDeleteBrother, m.
Love this poem and it's sentiment. It always makes me feel good even in the midst of guests I may not be appreciating!
ReplyDeleteI believe I've posted this before as well. Isn't it so wise?
ReplyDelete