Obstacles to Success

This morning, I have been writing, reading, meditating and pondering faith. This is a big word, and it has a tendency to ignite strong reactions in people. Maybe old messages about this word spring to mind. Or possibly, one has the tender knowing that this is something they foster in their life. The truth for me is that this word has often sprung me into reaction. This word has never sat well with me - all the more reason to now write about it.

The greatest obstacle to faith is fear. When I am fearful that I won't be provided for or that my wildest dreams won't come true if I simply do the next right thing or wait on God, faith is a challenging feat. As I grow spiritually, I am more aware of the implications of faith.

* Faith is not Laziness. 
I must continue showing up, daily to my journal, my mat, and my Self. God meets me in these places.

* Faith is not Ignorance.
I am fully aware of what my life-circumstances are telling me. HA! Not really!!! Sometimes I am aware, and sometimes I am stubborn and don't want to see what all the messages around me are saying. When I am not present to these truths, I sit in them (sometimes squirming) and wait for more to be reveals.

* Faith is not a Light Switch. 
I can't just turn on my faith and leave it, hoping it will remain present. I must actively choose to be aware of the position of that light. I imagine it's like having a house full of toddlers, into shutting off all the lights. I must go turn the light back on, again and again, or I will be in the dark.

* Faith is a Mystery. 
So what is faith to me? It is a mystery. I can't explain how or why it works. It's choosing to believe that something out there (namely, God) has a plan in this world and my life is a part of it. I cannot always have a bird's-eye view of the world and my place in it, so faith is trusting that a Power greater than my self has that perspective and I am included in it. It's choosing to believe that I am being guided and that when I keep my eyes, ears, and heart open, anything and anyone can be a beacon to my next stepping stone. Faith is a choice - a choice to believe.