Love in a blue funk

Yesterday morning began in a blue funk -- something that really doesn't happen to me all that often.  I did my best to deal, but there was no denying that circumstances were combining to awaken a lot of my demons.  So I found it triply amazing that three very dear friends, people I hear from rarely but always speak with at length, all called yesterday, full of concern and support.

Plus I got a sweet note from my special friend in the Philippines, and another from a kind gentleman, unknown to me, who thanked me for the previous day's post.  Even my Tuesday morning class seemed tailored to my need for support and encouragement.

How is it that when we need it most the love we need is always there for us?  I am so grateful for the generosity shown me over the course of the day.  And so I want to share (though I may have published it here before) the Rumi poem our wonderful teacher, Bev Gaines, read just prior to our meditation session.  It helped a lot:

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.

.. and, just in case you're wondering, this is a photo of the little guest house where Cynthia Bourgeault used to stay, back in the day when she led week-long centering prayer retreats at the Rivendell Retreat Centre up on Bowen Island in British Columbia. I've never been inside, but to me it will always be a very special place.