Sometimes I feel that walking on a spiritual path is similar to walking through the woods on an earthen trail. If you keep walking, you will at some point get your feet wet and muddy. You will find times when you cannot see the sun. And there will be times when the beauty of nature ceases to amaze you and you find yourself 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.
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