But to my surprise as the weeks passed, the most disorientating dark gripped me. Like a demented dog, I went from room to room, to park, to library, to every kind of public and private place trying to write this thing. The images, the people and places remained so clear, yet nothing satisfactory would happen.
Then gradually it dawned on me that some sort of intellectual pride held me back from the only possible conclusion.
It is not enough to seek and care; to pay lip service to all manner of ideals. Real witness is what counts. Why is it so difficult?
It is something to do with leaps in the dark. Recognising that truth is hidden. But transformation towards truth is something else. It is practice and diligence as Lama Jigmé said.
Referring to belief and faith Thomas Merton wrote, 'We do not see first and then act; we act, then see.'
From On Pilgrimage: A Time To Seek (1991) by JENNIFER LASH
(My photo shows the late 12th century figure of Saint James, the centrepiece of the Pórtico de la Gloria, welcoming pilgrims to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.)
4 comments:
Nice blog I enjoyed this good read - thanks
Thanks for your comment, Jim.
As we walk, or move in faith, the Lord reveals to us what we must do next. An overplanned life is a life of non-faith(sin).
"It is only through faith that we are able to please God."
Do your plans line up with God's plans?
"Those who are led by the Spirit shall be called sons."
Two nights ago I camped out under this tree on the outskirts of Spearfish, South Dakota. The next day I began to walk west on I-90. I walked for at least five miles and then this pickup stopped to give me a ride. His name was Roger and he was a Christian, so we talked about the things of God. He bought me something to eat and then he said that he could stay with he and his son for a night or two here in Spearfish.
It has been a real blessing because I have been able to catch up on some needed rest. We have also had some good fellowship. The Lord definitely provides when we act in faith.
In faith I walk/hitchhike down the road. In faith someone pulls over to give me a ride.
Faith drives the engine of the universe.
Hebrews 11: 3: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
Thanks for that, Tim.
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