“Anxiety is the mark of spiritual insecurity.” Thomas Merton
There’s so much to be anxious about these days, it’s often hard to see the path ahead when mists of fear obscure the way.
We may feel small. And alone. Like this lonely little duckie spotted last fall on the misty Ohio River between West Virginia and Ohio.
Finding our way through mists of doubt and insecurity is perplexing at best, a hard task for most. We may not know where we are going on so many levels these days.
The path may not be as clear (or easy to find) as it was in the past.
“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.” Thomas Merton
No matter how misty things may be, the point is to face each moment with courage, faith and hope vs. despair. Despair doesn’t get us anywhere!
As a Thomas Merton groupie I’ve carried this prayer of his with me for years, pulling it out during challenging times of anxious perplexity. May it bless you today…
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” Thomas Merton
grace, peace & anxious perplexity comfort
Virginia : )
Photos: Ravenswood Bridge, Ravenswood WV
Roses in the Rubble 
Comforting words, Virginia … what a perfect prayer for these times! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you, Cin. That Thomas Merton prayer is one of my favorites. I have it on a small card that’s gone with me everywhere (now it’s a little raggedy-tagged, but ever relevant!)
Blessings and big HUGS! GL : )
As beautiful a post, as I have ever seen-thank you. I will never look at mist the same again. love Michele
Thank you so much Michele — we caught these mists just as they were lifting, a beautiful thing to stop and see on a long drive from Ohio to Virginia!
Much love to you – Virginia : )
Love that last one by Merton. I’m also reminded of this:”I don’t know what the future holds, but I know Who holds it,” by Lou Holtz. Blessings, my friend!
That Lou Holtz quote is a wonderful one, too, Debbie. I’ve treasured that Merton prayer for many years. I had it on a small card that traveled with me in far away places. Still relevant today, too. Blessings and (germ free) hugs to you, Debbie. : )