each has been sent as a guide from beyond
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 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
It is too easy to only want the light, and not the dark. Each is a gift. Each has been sent as a guide. We are a guest house, welcoming all, walking toward all, learning from all.
With thanks to Betsy Blake Bennett for reminding me of this beautiful poem for our continued celebration of National Poetry Month.
[image from here]
