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.
By Rumi
These are hard words to hear. The poem is one that Parker Palmer suggests as critical for us to become truly all we can be. How do we know when we are being cleared out for some new delight? Some days I believe and trust it. Other days I do not. Some days the guests just seem downright abusive and rude, meanspirited and vindictive. It’s often long after the guests have left the house that I grow to appreciate them, and then only grudgingly.