Spectacular reflection for a 61st b'day morn. Better'n chocy! -Zer
(who can think of no higher praise <vbg> than "Better'n chocy!")

http://www.wscribe.com/parables/pass.html speaks of Solomon
setting a minister an impossible task that was resolved by a ring
in which were written three Hebrew letters: "gimel, zayin, yud",
which begin the words "Gam zeh ya'avor" -- "This too shall pass."

http://franksartor.org/thistooshallpass.htm echoes that version.

http://www.kerrytribe.com/neon.html also alludes to Solomon.

http://sanguine.rediffblogs.com/ carries this version: "It is said
an eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a
sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and
appropriate in all times and situations...they presented him the
words: THIS TOO SHALL PASS AWAY"

http://www.circlesoflight.com/peace/peace16.shtml reflects on it
as an affirmation of life's rhythm, equilibrium, pulse, resonance.
>This one implies a certain equilibrium in life, knowing that
change is the only constant.
> When we are prepared in this way for change in our lives, we
can handle it with a good deal more serenity and dignity.
> This is a particularly lovely affirmation in times of trouble.
> So often, when life isn't looking so good, there's a tendency to
despair of it ever getting better. 'Taint so. It will get better, it will
change and it will grow to be more than it currently is.
> This is the nature of organic life, and our emotional reactions
don't change that. Things will mellow out.
> In good times, this affirmation helps us to not create a ceiling
on expansion. However good life may be, it has the potential to
get even better. This is restricted if we have in mind that, "This is
as good as it gets."
> There's no need to grasp greedily to a perfect moment.
> There are plenty more. This way we are open to extras.
>
> "The mind is its own place, and in it self
> Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n."
> ~ John Milton in "Paradise Lost"
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Thus begins my 62nd year, looking pretty darn good! -Zer (who
senses that y'all are toasting me in the chocolate of your choice!)