Categories: spiritual-journey
Date: 18 January 2010 10:57:56
Is supposedly the name of this blog, but perhaps Exploring the Mess that is My Mind would be more apt of late. ;)
I went for the name as as the time I started this blog I was looking into the Orthodox Church. But, to me, the name still holds: and I think it always will. The journey of faith is just that -- a journey: and I find myself still discovering, still exploring, still struggling, what the Orthodox Church teaches -- and what the Orthodox Church offers. And I suspect I will for the rest of my life.
From a purely intellectual view, I had supposed I would've made more "progress" [whatever that means] by now -- received on December 18, 2005, I am certainly not a newborn: perhaps a troublesome child. I struggle with Fasting: well, to be honest, I do not struggle as I give in as soon as it becomes uncomfortable. I have struggled to seek out and find a Spiritual Father and attend Confession: one of the aspects of Orthodoxy that most drew me into it. I find praying darn hard work: and reading the Bible is something I certainly should do more of.
On the other side there are the joys and discoveries: the weekly services of Great Vespers and Sunday Matins in particular; the services during Great Lent; the practical spirituality I have discovered through various books and Lives of the Saints; the encouragement to persevere from priests, fellow parishioners and fellow pilgrims; the acceptance of me and my struggles by a loving parish community; and the forming of friendships in the parish too.
An unexpected journey in many ways, and not the one I may've chosen -- but a blessed one and one that God ordained and knows is what I need. For which Thanks and Praise be to God.