I have been reading A Year With Rumi a collection of 365 of Rumi’s poems translated by Coleman Barks. If you are not familiar, Rumi was a 13th century Sufi poet and although raised in Islamic tradition, his poetry was read and loved across cultures and religions. I loved the poem for the November 22 reading so much I wanted to share. Enjoy!
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.