Journal of Sacred Work

Surrender
Weep, and then smile… -Jalaluddin Rumi – 1207-1273

Over the last seven centuries, millions of people of all faiths have, on occasion, turned to the wisdom and beauty of the great 13th century Persian poet known as Rumi. Like so many in the world, Rumi reportedly grew up in a difficult childhood enviornment. Yet he grew to become one of the great masters of Sufi thought and practice and a sage for the ages.

Rumi’s message speaks to all those who seek to love others in the best spirit of our humanity. His belief was that when we open our hearts to others, we are opening our hearts to God. He preached surrender to God’s Love.

Let some of his words, passed on to me by a reader of the Journal, speak to you and move through you this weekend as you contemplate your work as a caregiver over the past week, your plans for the week to come, and your celebration of your now – your time of weekend rest….

Surrender
Weep, and then smile.
Don’t pretend to know something
you haven’t experienced.

There’s a necessary dying,
and then Jesus is breathing again.

Very little grows
on jagged rock.
Be ground.

Be crumbled,
so wildflowers will come up
where you are.

You’ve been stony for too many years.
Try something different.
Surrender.

–Rumi, 13th century

Reflection: How hard it is to accept the message of surrender to God – of surrender to Love. Depending upon how we were raised, we may have felt the lifelong message that our job is to assert our will, to be strong and NOT to surrender. Now we hear the message of faith – surrender to God’s love and live in God’s grace.