Staying in Faith

“Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”
C.S. Lewis, British Scholar and Novelist 1898 -1963

Its easy to be faithful when things are going well or there are minor upsets that come right with prayer and the passing of a day or two. But what is going on when its been more that a day or two and things are not well, or even a month or two, or a year or more...what then? Can you stay faithful to your belief in an abundantly good universe, a benevolent giving spirit, the working of the force for good, in and through all things?

It gets a little tougher doesn't it? And yet we know that there really is no other choice, no other Truth. I affirm this truth, which is my belief despite what I see with my eyes but I wonder, is there something I am not aware of, in my behaviour or thoughts which belie my belief, which deny or negate that faith I say I have. I wonder more when I am not seeing change, the change I desire or believe is possible. I question and examine my thinking. I look more deeply when I don't see shift or experience peace about the pattern of my life. It means I cannot continue as I have been going, that I need to do or know something different in order to experience something different.

At trying times like these its so much easier to blame the external world, the economy, the politicians, the conspiracy! The truth is, we are being guided, by "doors closing behind us" maybe rather the door we hear will open before us, if we have faith.

If whatever you are doing is not working for you its time to shift focus. Only you know the answer to your own problems. Getting quite in meditation or taking a long walk in nature will help. Ask for guidance and watch for the message in something you overhear, something seen on TV or mentioned by a friend. It's there, really it is. Be open to receive from the most unusual places. Don't forget those pennies in your path that declare in God we Trust. Keep the faith, be aware of your speech and what you are affirming by your words and deeds, remember to be guided by love and most of all be gentle with yourself. Then watch the shift happen.

“Faith makes all things possible.... love makes all things easy.” Anon.

Come from love.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
Howard Thurman

Can you do what comes from love today?
Just for one entire day! Do the things you love to do, and do the things you must do with love as the motivating factor. As you wash another sink full of dishes or carry out the most mundane errand can you imagine you are being of service?

Loving anything or anyone contains an element of service. When we love ourselves we listen to our needs and act and speak up so that we serve the meeting that need; for food, cleansing or letting our emotions be heard. When we love another we serve their need to be themselves and be heard, supported and acknowledged for who they are. When we do what we love it is our unique service and contribution to the world, something we have been born to do. No one else can do it quite like us, from our vision or perspective.

Life will come to an end one day and I hope we wont die with our song still in us. I hope for each of us that we live this moment with a consciousness of the gift of our life, the preciousness of time and the knowledge of how much we have to give. I saw a movie called "The Shift" http://www.dyermovie.com/ this weekend and it reminded me that in the afternoon of our lives our motivations are different to what they were in the morning and that's OK. Its how it's supposed to be.

We desire a more meaningful experience as we age than we did when we were younger. And this always involves service of some kind. Even if it's as simple as being cheerful, this is a definite service to humanity; sharing a smile while in line at the bank. Or as grand an effort as writing that novel! If we are honoring our inner urges we are also inspiring others to imagine they can do the same. What a fabulous service that is to perform.

Service has had a bad wrap. Its not about putting our desires last as we might imagine. It's more about honoring our desire and ability to contribute. The reward is a deeper satisfaction and joy that you can experience in any other way in the afternoon of life. Try it and see.

"Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try " Mary Kay Ash