Pain

I've felt some pain lately that has taken me by surprise lately.  I mean, there's not a terminal illness that I'm fighting, but there's other things that I am.  Mentally, physically, emotionally, etc.  And sometimes I've just wanted to withdraw from that pain or at least want it to go away so that I don't need to deal with it.  But you know, there is strength and healing to be had in facing pain.  By that I mean enduring it and sharing it with others leads us to vulnerability, love, and hope.  It may not make the pain go away, but accepting and facing it with people we love offers such clarity that makes it easier to bear.  

This poem really helped me face my pain.  I hope it helps you, dear reader.     

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses

your understanding.

Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its
heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.

And could you keep your heart in wonder at the
daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem
less wondrous than your joy;

And you would accept the seasons of your heart,
even as you have always accepted the seasons that
pass over your fields.

And you would watch with serenity through the
winters of your grief.

Much of your pain is self-chosen.

It is the bitter potion by which the physician within
you heals your sick self.

Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy
in silence and tranquillity:

For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by
the tender hand of the Unseen,

And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has
been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has
moistened with His own sacred tears. 

Khalil Gibran