Cultivating Faith

 I’m not a farmer, but I have some idea about cultivation. Growing a crop of anything requires preparation of the soil, choice of seeds, nutrients specific to what’s being grown, and the right amounts of water and sunlight. This knowledge doesn’t simply arise on it’s own - it comes from trial and error, learning from others who have had successes, and steady work. It’s knowing that weeds and vermin can destroy a crop, and taking the steps necessary to ensure safe growing conditions. 

The cultivation of faith seems no different to me. Faith, belief, trust, confidence - all are interwoven to create a multidimensional way of looking at the process. My innate cynicism is going to rise up at the instruction to “just have faith” in something, without at least a modicum of confidence in the outcome. How do I find that? I surround myself with people who seek the same, people who have learned to set aside the questions and try that which has been successful for others.

I’ve been “trudg(ing) the road to happy destiny” for 10 years today. I’ve managed to cultivate the faith that if I keep doing what I’ve been doing, striving always for a deeper understanding of myself, my Higher Power, and my strengths as well as my foibles, I will have sobriety for one more day. 

I have faith in the process. I believe in the results. I trust that I too can be a beacon of hope for others, even as I just take one step at a time, one day at a time, to be “happy, joyous, and free”.


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