Ruin

I recently came across a poem by C.S. Lewis that has taken hold of me. At this point I cannot tell you how many times I have read it; but it's been many. So, I thought I would post it for anyone else who might enjoy it.

All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you.
I never had a selfless thought since I was born.
I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through;
I want God, you, all friends, merely to serve my turn.

Peace, re-assurance, pleasure, are the goals I seek,
I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin;
I talk of love-a scholar's parrot may talk
Greek-
But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin.

Only that now you have taught me (but how late)
my lack.
I see the chasm. And everything you are was
making
My heart into a bridge by which I might get back
From exile, and grow man. And now the bridge is
Breaking.

For this I bless you as the ruin falls. The pains
You give me are more precious than all other
Gains.

To see the 'ruin' as a blessing is the challenge that life presents. Often I wonder if all the other pains that our relationships bring are worth what it cost. Honestly, there are many days that I think not. But I must concede and say 'the pains are more precious than all other gains.'