My friend, Grace Kane, who has been a supporter of this blog since its inception, sent this piece to me saying she thought it was lovely. I agree with her and I wanted to publish it on this Wisdom Wednesday so more of you can enjoy it. I also thought it was pertinent to the conversation that is taking place this week on the blog, starting tomorrow. From Grace:
Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1435–1515) was a Renaissance pioneer, accomplished as an architect, engineer, antiquary, archaeologist, classical scholar, and Franciscan friar.
and my love for you goes deep.
There is nothing I can give you
which you have not got,
but there is much, very much
that while I cannot give it,
you can take.
No heaven can come to us
unless our hearts find rest in today.
Take heaven!
No peace lies in the future
which is not hidden
in this present little instant.
Take peace!
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.
Letter written by Fra Giovanni, 1513
Thank you Grace!
Love to you all,
Jeane
This article was useful when looking for:
- fra giovanni (18)
- fra giovanni giocondo (13)
Superb in all respects. Thank you.
Yes, it is. You’re welcome.
Jeane,
Thanks for sharing that:) Did I tell you that my Mother read it on her first morning after Dad had passed…and she was so soothed by it:) It made me happy that I had found and posted it so timely for her to gain peace from it:)
It was Fra Giovanni Giocondo’s reassuring letter to Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi on Christmas Eve, 1513.
Your photos are beautiful with it:)
XOXOX
Grace
I’m not sure that you did tell me that. I can see why it would give her peace. The title is perfect, isn’t it? Thank YOU for sharing it. Glad you liked the photos.
Love to you,
Jeane
Jeane, I guess it was titled “Within Our Reach: Joy”
Grace
Very beautiful poem! Heartwarming and peaceful it makes one feel who reads it! It unfolds such splender in each word and sentence! Thank You for presenting this poem from Grace, Jeane. Thank you Grace for this is one I will be writing in my journal! Cin =)
It really is beautiful. I’m glad you liked it.