Hardships

"We used to say, " Do not bewail your hardships: be patient for patience is the key to the relief of pain."
What has now become of this key? Wonderful! This rule, which we laid down for others, is null and void for us: what has become of it?
Didn't we always say, " In the hour of struggle, laugh happily, like gold in the fire?"
We said... " Do not lose courage."
We preached fortitude to all the world, because such strength is a lamp and a light in the breast.
Now it is our turn. Now we have become distracted...
O heart that did inspire others with passion, inspire yourself with ardor, and be ashamed of yourself.
O reason, where is your eloquent and persuasive counsel? Now, that it is your turn: what has become of your former admonitions?
Since you were once a cure for the pain of others, how is that you are now silent, when pain has become your guest?"

Rumi (Vol.6, 3894-3909)

Commentary: It is oh, so much easier, to offer consoling words, than it is to walk through the valley yourself...