There is nothing I can give you which you have not got; but there is much, very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No Heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it to-day. Take Heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant. Take peace!
The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in the darkness, could we but see; and to see, we have only to look. Contessina I beseech you to look.
Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it a living splendour, woven of love, by wisdom, with power. Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the Angel's hand that brings it to you. Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty: believe me, that angel's hand is there; the gift is there, and the wonder of an overshadowing Presence. Our joys, too: be not content with them as joys, they too conceal diviner gifts.
Life is so full of meaning and of purpose, so full of beauty--beneath its covering--that you will find that earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage, then to claim it: that is all! But courage you have; and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending through unknown country, home.
And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you; not quite as the world sends greetings, but with profound esteem, and with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.
by FRA GIOVANNI, A Letter to the Most Illustrious the Contessina Allagia Dela Aldobrandeschi, Written Christmas Eve Anno Domini 1513
Blessings ~ Giovanni ~ "...pilgrims together, wending through unknown country, home" ~
Hmmm, so true. Goodness lurks behind darkness. It will all be revealed in time...could be many moons from now, but one learns to trust that this trial will bring you a richness in compassion and understanding. Yet, anger will dominate again and again...let it wash over you until you feel relief. It will come.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers.
Continued prayers for you, sweet friend. Beautiful share.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas
TTFN ~
Marydon
So timeless, Sandra. Thinking of you during this certainly difficult season~
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how something written in 1513 is still around for us to enjoy in 2011. I wonder if anything being written today will be around 500 years from now?
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Sister Sandra.
Your Brother in Christ, ~Ron
Hello Dearest Sandra:
ReplyDeleteWe wish nothing more for you than that the 'day breaks and the shadows flee away'.
And that they will is a certainty. Hold fast to your faith, believe, as we know only so well that you do, and the dawn will come. Love and prayers as always, and especially at the approach to this Christmas time.
This speaks to my soul. Thank-you.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'd want things written today to be around 500 years from now.
ReplyDeleteGreat piece, thanks for sharing!....
Lovely words, Sandra. Appropriate for me right now.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for your suggestions on marketing my "wares". I will definitely look into these venues. Thank you sweetie! :)
My spirit is now full.K
ReplyDeleteA very wise man!
ReplyDeleteYes, Sandra...it has been a year and then some...hoping and knowing next year is a new beginning...We just have to look at it that way...knowing that my dad and your husband would expect it...I am giving myself the luxury of doing whatever I want the rest of the year (in other words be really reall sad) and then the new year I honor dad wishes of having a happy life. Merry Christmas....
ReplyDeleteI like these words from a comment above . . .
ReplyDeletePeace filled heart to you as the 'day breaks and the shadows flee away'.
I am caring about you. . .
I love this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely letter... it makes me stop and think when I read something written so long ago and yet so relevant that we all are indeed "pilgrims together" even from ages ago.
ReplyDeleteThanks for finding and posting it!
Grace