Ruined Places

"The King deposits the royal treasure in ruined places.
Open your spiritual ear very wide.
Whatever blows come to you from Heaven, always be expecting to receive a gift of honor afterward.
For God is not the king to slap you, and then not give you a crown and throne on which to recline.
The whole world has but the value of a gnat's wing; but for one slap, there is infinite reward.
Nimbly slip your neck out of this golden collar, which is the world, and take the blows that come from God."

Rumi (Vol.6, 1634-1641)

Commentary: It's nice to ponder about the mercy and the kindness of the Creator. But who among us has not also received blows and slaps? Rumi seems to believe that some of the harder lessons contain mercy and kindness and treasure ...