Busy Day, Unexpected Visitor
This is no kind of scientific survey, but yesterday at work I asked a lot of people coming through the registers if they were going to be able to enjoy the next two days before the holiday. Most everyone answered no, there was too much to do, which sounds about right, at least for any one celebrating Christmas.
That probably applies to anyone reading these GratiDude posts, as well. Not much time today, understandably. So here are a few quick lines from Rumi, because they are so relevant to our Inquiry Into A Gratitude-Inspired Life. It is apparently one of the most frequently recited poems in mindfulness retreats and courses around the world. That may well be true, but to us it was brand new, when we saw it a year ago, like a classic that “everyone has read” or the movie that “everyone has seen.”
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.
My wish for you on this busy day is that you, even if for the briefest of moments, experience the grace of actual gratitude for something in your life, no matter what your faith tradition, and see this day as an unexpected visitor.
