A Poem

This poem by Rumi was shared with Cassie by a dear friend. It really hit home for us.

“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.

— The poet Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks

Not gonna lie.  We are going through a rough time right now (and we were feeling that before the failed coup attempt this week). Our family and friends are life preservers, for sure. But, in the end, it is the two of us navigating rough waters alone. How do we do as Rumi says and be open to all that we are experiencing – both good and bad? How can we together as a couple manage all of the different “visitors” that are streaming the doors of our Guest House? We’re not sure. We know though that  this is the  challenge to focus on right now and we suspect that as Rumi suggests, gratitude may be the key to this house.