Good Friday. A time for reflection. A powerful thought comes from what is termed by some as "The Way of the Cross" meaning Jesus walk from Jerusalem to the Mount of Calvery.
When I stop to reflect, I can see that I too have my own "Way of the Cross" journey. It comes when I find that my path, similar to a walk in the woods, gets muddy, and I get my feet dirty. It is when I find I cannot see the sun, or when the beauty around me ceases to amaze and I find myself pretty much alone.
I cannot image anyone who hasn't felt these emotions at some point on their spiritual journey. I believe the secret for weathering such times comes from remembering the truths that I held when things were good. If I believe in something and it is true, going through a "muddy feet" period in my life does not make that truth any less real. It is during these times of less sun and less amazement that I have a chance to examine not just what I believe, but why. And sometimes the why is more revealing than I like to admit.
Do I believe because I love? Or do I believe because I fear hell, or damnation, or whatever happens to bad people? Is my trust in God just hope for security, that nothing bad will happen, or do I trust "even though I should walk in the valley of death"? Do I practice spirituality to feel good? Or do I believe because I have discovered?
All of these questions become clear during times of "muddy feet". Because, if my spirituality is for myself, then I will abandon it in times of stress and doubt and pain. But if I am in it for the Other, namely, for the Divine Being I do not yet know, then I will continue my walk, because I will know this too is part of the journey. All paths have mud puddles in them. And my spiritual walk is no different.
This is the "Way of the Cross": my walk that continues despite struggle.
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