As a periodic guest from afar who feels so welcome in Olympia, i'm touched by the communal spirit of Sunday mornings - most recently the other day when Sara Pagano offered us flowers and this Rumi poem. Pixilated words on a screen can't do her delivery justice, but here they are:
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.
