Faith without thinking too much

Live simply and without thinking too much, like a child with his father. Faith without too much thinking works wonders. The logical mind hinders the Grace of God and miracles. Practice patience without judging with the logical mind.

- St. Paisios

This week, I was confronted with an unnerving possibility, a “this could be nothing” or “this could become something kind of scary ” situation that immediately raised alarm bells and sent tingling sensations of panic throughout my body.

Fortunately, this past year or so the spiritual theme of my day-to-day life has been “prayer and surrender” as a first resort for dealing with every small and giant fear that threatens my inner calm and stability. Through books, conversations, homilies, and scripture readings, etc. I’ve been reminded over and over and over again that running to Christ at the very first sign of inner turmoil is the only way to retain peace in the midst of uncertainty.

Being very familiar with the dangers of dialoguing with my worries, I went straight to my icon corner and knelt in silence until my thoughts quieted down and my heart stopped racing. “Lord have mercy on us,”  I repeated, and then I thanked God for how compassionate and loving He has been to our family. I clung to gratitude, and the psalms, and tried my very best to remain focused on doing the next right thing in the present moment.   

While washing the dishes, I had a sudden urge to call one of my oldest and dearest friends. We hadn’t connected in a while so I reached out and we ended up talking for close to an hour. That conversation felt like a miracle. My friend, who is no stranger to suffering, spoke such wisdom and light into my soul. It was a gentle, quiet assurance of Christ’s presence and omnipotence. Had I allowed my mind to spiral, I would have hindered that taste of grace and squandered a divine opportunity to practice patience in affliction.

Do not ruminate, just be. Give thanks. Feast on beauty, light and goodness. Allow God to be your refuge while His perfect will unfolds. Entrust to Him everything and everyone.