I asked the dawn: “Where is the dewdrop that wet my lips last night and was suddenly gone before the sunrise?”

The dawn smiled: ‘It’s in the lightness of breezes and fragrance of flowers.”

I asked breezes and flowers: “What is the color of my love and that shall never fade?”

The breezes and flowers whispered: “It’s the color of the Spring that is dancing on the hills.”

I asked the hills: “How many more peaks and valleys on my path before I reach the blue sky?”

The hills echoed: “As many as you can endure until your inner and outer strengths lift you high.”

I asked the sky: “Why did the most innocent eyes, that are as pure as you, have to see the agony of death?”

The sky wept: “The eyes of the innocent see beyond death – they see the ocean.”

I asked the ocean: “Where is the vastness of your mercy now that I only taste the bitterness in you?”

The ocean sighed: “Without bitterness, how would you know the sweetness of joy?”

Finally, I asked God: “What is the happiness of life when it is full of tribulation?”

God answered: “The meaning of life is rejoicing in the face of adversity.”

— Dedicated to my friend Jennifer and others who face the great difficulties in life with amazing strength and grace.

lifestyle, life, love, difficulties, spirituality