Anne Lamott is at her absolute best in her new book Somehow: Thoughts on Love. She writes about her usual topics  – her difficult son and adorable grandson, her kind second husband, beloved friends, the local homeless, her small church, her large sobriety. There’s no shortage of struggles in daily life or the world around her. But grace has found her, and she has found grace. She stands in the river of love with a hand outstretched, saying – come on in, the water’s just fine.

She begins the collection with a poem by Rumi that I’d love to share with you today…

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 are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be cleaning 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.

-Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks

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