The Guest House—”Be Grateful for Whoever Comes”

My spiritual director (the one on the left ) shared with me this poem today and its words sank deep. I think for me as I find myself in this liminal period of betweenness, its words help me to trust Jesus and not to judge my circumstances as ‘evil’ or unwelcome. I hope that you too find solace in its words:

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 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 ~

33 . . .

. . . is how many years ago I was born from today, March 20.  Yep, the first day of spring.  Perhaps this is why I dislike winter so much, I was born for Spring.  33 is also the last birthday (according to tradition) that Jesus celebrated.  Hopefully I’ll get a few more .

P.S. I have the best family in the world!  I love you guys!