There is a mat outside of my door greeting you. It says come, be here, enjoy, love and live. I will hold you.

It says, “knock on my door, I will be here; and this door will open for you.”

But what you do not know, is that inside, you’ll find the privledge of finding even more than you’d expected. There is no entry fee, there is no subscription or cover. There is one thing – the expectation of mutual respect. This is seen in the way you manage politely within a space. It is not taking advantage. It is not ignorance. It is kind, and it is thought. It is more than thank you, but it is less than the action of giving for the sake of giving in return. There are no expectations for a mutual exchange, but rather the knowing thought that what is given, is something that is received. And within that, there is effort. 

When you are welcomed, understand the effort behind it. Understand the thought, and mind for which has been given for the sake of your presence. This, is a gift. Lend it not ignorance, but lend it light. Lend it gratitude and appreciation; and lend it truth of friendship. 

There is nothing more beautiful than purity in truth; there are few things less worthy than hidden deceit. 

There is courage in having a kind welcome sign. It runs risk of allowing dirty shoes to walk through your space, possibly even leaving trail marks. There is worth in the opportunity. It yeilds value and merit in facing that challenge. However hard it may be, the unanticipated joy has always proven to outweigh disappointment. 

Anna Badrieh