Lisa notes

When I whined on Monday about my pain and lack of self-compassion, you all gave such wonderful advice in the comments. Thank you.

Your words are worth repeating.

I release them back into the world for others. Read and use them when you need extra grace yourself.

Here are a few of your wisdom treasures. . . .

“God won’t leave you bedraggled at the door.”

~ * ~ * ~

“‘Oh yes, let her in. I did.’ – Jesus”

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“Be gentle with yourself.”

~ * ~ * ~

“Me, too.”

~ * ~ * ~

“Give yourself grace to rest.”

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“Receive His love in new ways.”

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“Don’t judge yourself quickly.”

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“Your value to the Lord and His Kingdom has never been measured by what you do, how you look, or how you handle what life hands you.”

~ * ~ * ~

“You are no less precious or valuable in the midst of your pain and recovery.”

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“Give yourself time to heal, which is more than the physical.

~ * ~ * ~

Amen.

In a conversation on Tuesday with my niece Danielle, she mentioned “The Guest House,” a poem by Rumi, not knowing how perfect it was for my One Word “Welcome.” It is insightful and lovely. May it bless you like it blesses me.

The Guest House

translation by Coleman Barks

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 are 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 whatever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

— Jellaludin Rumi

* * *

How welcoming are you to you? Please share in the comments.

I chose “Welcome.” I wanted to intentionally be open to whatever happens next. To accept my circumstances with contentment (even while working to change them as needed).

Then she rings the doorbell.

She’s standing on my new welcome mat, the one I bought to remind me of my objective.

She assumes it’s true: Welcome.

But she’s whiny, a bit bedraggled, and not particularly grateful for having to hold her luggage longer than she’d like.

She’s not someone I really want in my home.

But I’ve been friends with her family forever. I should let her in.

Yet I don’t. I hesitate. I analyze the situation. I wonder what went wrong. I wonder how long she’ll want to stay.

She needs work.

Sure, she could use a little patience and sympathy and consolation. She’s gotten it from others. But she’s now asking for it from me.

Instead, I’m giving her judgment, thinking her weak, and failing at her job.

This house is rumored to give grace to the fallen, to give peace to the embattled.

Why not her, too?

So I open the door. I let myself in.

It’s been 4 days since I had surgery. The gall bladder is gone. But the original pain isn’t.

Welcome?

I don’t welcome the pain in me. I don’t welcome the weakness. I don’t welcome the inconveniences.

But I welcome the God who stands with me in the pain. Right now it’s a package deal. All or nothing.

So I’ll take all.

I believe God sees around the corner. He prepares us for it as best as we’ll allow.

I know my pain is NOT hard compared to what others suffer. Mine is minor. Other friends have serious issues: diabetes, unexpected pregnancy, unemployments and relocations and cancer treatments.

So I open my door to what God wants to bring this year—even when it’s me—a woman with a suitcase of whining mixed with a little pain and occasional discouragement. Instead of telling her to get her act together and move on, perhaps I’ll welcome her as she is and trust that God will work through even this.

So we vacuum the guest room and change the bedsheets and welcome whoever God brings to our door. Even when those guests are our imperfect selves. Open the door and be compassionate to all who enter.

Because whatever or whoever comes our way, God comes with them, too.

Welcome, welcome, welcome.

* * *

How are you at self-compassion? Please share in the comments.

Related:

• 7 Lessons on Compassion
• 5 Easy Ways to Show Compassion
• Practice Compassion on Yourself