O ye beloved of God! When the winds blow severely, rains fall fiercely, the lightening flashes, the thunder roars, the bolt descends and storms of trial become severe, grieve not; for after this storm, verily, the divine spring will arrive, the hills and fields will become verdant, the expanses of grain will joyfully wave, the earth will become covered with blossoms, the trees will be clothed with green garments and adorned with blossoms and fruits. Thus blessings become manifest in all countries. These favors are results of those storms and hurricanes. (Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha v1, p. 12-13)
In the most recent letter of the House of Justice (25 November 2020), they made reference to the “furious storms lashing humanity.” I could certainly relate! This phrase resonated very deeply as I feel like my tests have accelerated mightily since COVID hit, and just when I think I’ve got a handle on one test, six more challenging ones pop up. So today’s quote really helps remind me that not only are severe trials an inevitable part of life, the divine spring that follows is God’s favor for riding the wave of the storms and hurricanes.
In the same letter, they also noted “Your resilience and your unwavering commitment to the well-being of those around you, persistent through all difficulties, have filled us with tremendous hope. But it is no wonder that, in some other quarters, hope has become a depleted resource.” I think the reason hope has become a depleted resource is that people expect that a good life is one continuous summer, without tests, but nature proves otherwise. In the depths of winter, when everything is cold and seemingly dead, it’s hard to remember that spring will come again. I need these reminders over and over because I forget, and when I forget, it’s hard to elevate conversations with those who’ve lost hope, and impossible to ensure the well-being of those around us.
Knowing there’s hope for better days ahead following life’s tests, I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Learning How to Be Happy
Thank you Susan. Your reflections always seem so timely.
Funny how God arranges that, isn’t it, Adam?! 🙂
“it’s hard to elevate conversations with those who’ve lost hope” I love your comment Susan that a good life is NOT one long continuous summer. That blessings are the result of storms and hurricanes. Reminders are good.
Yes, I need the reminders myself, Sheri!
O my servants Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be unveiled to your eyes. You are destined by Him, in this world and hereafter, to partake of their benefits, to share in their joys, and to obtain a portion of their sustaining grace. To each and every one of them you will, no doubt, attain.
Bahaullah
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahaullah, p329
One of my favorites taken from my Bahai Quotes App. Full of hope I must say.
O Donna! It’s one of my favorites too!
Funny story: In the early days of my recovery, I wrote to the House of Justice for guidance and they sent me this quote without attribution, so for a very long time, I thought it was written by them, just for me! Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was written by Baha’u’llah for the whole world! 🙂