A Crowd of Sorrows

I don't know how many people regularly check into this blog, particularly since my posting has dramatically dropped off during the past few months (and it had decline quite a bit prior to that, since I graduated from seminary).

Anyhow: this isn't a good place to make personal announcements, but in addition to being pretty busy, there are some major life changes in the works. It all seems bad at the moment, so please hold me in the Light (if you are so inclined) - but I also know that things have a way of working out in unexpected ways.

Which reminds me of a poem by Rumi (here translated by Coleman Barks) that someone showed me just about eleven years ago:

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.

I'm still drawing cartoons, but don't have a scanner (and I need to get my camera back). I'll try to start posting more often.