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. I beseech you to look!
Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by the covering, cast them away as ugly, or heavy or hard. Remove the covering and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love, by wisdom, with power.
Welcome it, grasp it, 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 purpose, so full of beauty – beneath its covering – that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven.
Courage, then, to claim it, that is all. But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are all pilgrims together, wending through unknown country, home.
And so, at this 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.
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This letter was written by Fra Giovanni Giocondo to his friend, Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi on Christmas Eve, 1513.
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Tis a Gift to Receive 
Thank you, thank you! That last quote…I think I’ll jot it down. So, so true.
These definitely add sparkle to my day! š Oh, and I think your snowman philosophy is catching on… I looked out the window at work as the sun rose, and it shone on a snowman in the yard. His head was squarish and sported a handsome set of twig antlers. He made me smile. And I thought of your snowman and how many people he must have warmed… and smiled some more.
If that last quote didn’t come from Gid, I don’t know the man…
Good try, Josh, but it wasn’t him!
Good ones! I’d like to add one I heard from a prison chaplain’s wife last week: “God doesn’t waste anything you give to Him.” Hadn’t ever thought of it like that before I heard her say it.
Blessings!
David