I love this from C.S.Lewis:
We’re not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us;
we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.
Oh, I can really relate to that one. This is what I want: to be close to God (more than close, in an intimate relationship with my Abba), to do his will (not sure what that is, but Jesus spoke of it and so I want it), and to be happy (more than joy-filled, which I believe you can be even in the midst of pain), I want to be happy and I want all of those who I love to be happy too. There, I’ve said it out loud. That is what I want, to be a follower and to have a life free of pain, stuggles, sadness, etc. Can I have that? No.
If I am truly a follower than my path is the ‘Way of the Cross’ and every ‘ending’ will not be a happy one in this world. There is pain in a fallen world. So back to C.S. Lewis….is my ‘yes’
a ‘sometimes,’
an ‘ok until it gets too difficult,’
a ‘not yet,’
or a ‘YES!’
It’s like getting into the ocean…..do you just jump right in or do you go slowly and when the cold water hits a sensitive spot, turn around? C.S. Lewis – a spiritual giant – and one who is not afraid to be REAL.
Reflections on the Journey 
The sea always makes for a great metaphor. I like taking water walks in the sea, walking in about hip deep and walking the length of the beach. The beauty of it is when fish swim past, stripers and blues, and it’s almost as though we’re one with them.
I agree Joanne. There’s something magical and mystical about the sea. We are all connected, aren’t we?
I really like the quote by C.S. Lewis. Pain will be always this side of heaven; especially if we open up ourselves to love others.
So true Iris, our only consolation is that we never go it alone.
It’s difficult to trust … when we’ve experienced that cold.
Yes Sue, it’s a step into the darkness
Mr. Lewis’s words are so…right on! I believe He knows best, but if I really believe that, why does it scare the crap out of me? Sometimes it feels like I’m just up to my knees in the ocean and big wave comes and wipes me out, you know what I mean? But now you have me really thinking about this, Andie. That’s a good thing.
Oh, I sure do! It is scary…and Lewis seemed to know that. Thanks Laura.
I have never understood how some people can use their faith like a comfort blanket. Like laura it scares the life out of me but there’s no life without it.
Blessings for the best that God will give. m+x
So true, Word. There is no life without it and you’re right, I think that’s why so many people turn away when times get tought – like the Parable of the Sower.
love this quote, this thought… and oh, i find myself wanting this too, and feeling chagrined that i still have to go through hard times… sigh. will i never learn? this process of taking up my cross?
A neat post, Andie. Thank you. Great quotes from CS Lewis. I would expect faith carries us through the tough patches. Godde did not give me breast cancer. Godde travelled with me while I fought it.
That’s the way I see it.