Faith is not Clarity

Faith is not clarity.

It is not a signed contract

or a checklist neatly completed.

Faith is squinting into the distance,

taking one cautious step

and then another.

Faith wakes up

with questions still unanswered,

doubt ever present

like an old ache.

Faith has calluses.

From holding on.

From letting go.

From reaching out again

after disappointment

has taught it to be careful.

Faith is practiced

in ordinary days.

In breath after breath.

In saying yes to love

without knowing how it will be received

or if it will be returned.

We will not resolve every mystery.

We will not be spared every loss.

And still, faith leans its weight forward,

listening for the voice

that calls us

Beloved.

Faith places a shaky foot

on the ground

and discovers

that somehow

there is enough path

for the next step.