Today I was reminded about one of life's biggest truths.
There was a moment when I learned that I would, after all, be singing in my local chorus for competition next week. I had missed so many rehearsals, it wasn't clear whether or not I'd be permitted to participate. When I got the news that I was, in fact, going to be part of it, I was really and truly filled with happiness. Happiness that I haven't felt in a while.
Pretty immediately afterward, I caught myself and chided myself for feeling this happiness. After all, I'm grieving the loss of my father, and isn't it inappropriate to feel such joy during a time of grieving?
Pretty immediately after THAT, I caught myself again, and thought it through. Of COURSE it's ok to feel happiness, even during grieving. Maybe even especially during grieving. In my belief system, Dad is now with me all the time. He's on the wind and in the sweet spring air. He exists as pure Love and Light, joined back into the great divine Oneness. Dad's spirit only wants joy for me. He has no need for sadness, and doesn't expect me to remain maudlin and depressed over his death.
Today I'm thankful for the warm sun, the awakening of the earth, and the happiness that I am able to find in my life, along side the sadness.
Pretty immediately afterward, I caught myself and chided myself for feeling this happiness. After all, I'm grieving the loss of my father, and isn't it inappropriate to feel such joy during a time of grieving?
Pretty immediately after THAT, I caught myself again, and thought it through. Of COURSE it's ok to feel happiness, even during grieving. Maybe even especially during grieving. In my belief system, Dad is now with me all the time. He's on the wind and in the sweet spring air. He exists as pure Love and Light, joined back into the great divine Oneness. Dad's spirit only wants joy for me. He has no need for sadness, and doesn't expect me to remain maudlin and depressed over his death.
Today I'm thankful for the warm sun, the awakening of the earth, and the happiness that I am able to find in my life, along side the sadness.
On Joy and Sorrow Kahlil Gibran
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.And how else can it be?The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Some of you say, "Joy is greater thar sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater."But I say unto you, they are inseparable.Together they come, and when one sits, alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.
_____________________________________________
Click below to see all of my posts for my
I'd love for you to share in this project. What's making you feel grateful today?
Please leave a comment to share your thoughts today.
No comments:
Post a Comment