Perennial Faith (10/25/2024)

As I bring my plants indoors for the winter, I look out at the beautiful bed my husband created for me just beyond the porch. Mums give it splashes of color, but the showiest plants right now are the annuals. I enjoy them, but I know they won’t return. Winter will mark their end. As I look at them, I think of me and my faith. And I say a quite prayer, “LORD, give me perennial faith.”

Life throws a lot at us, and we all know that it isn’t all good. Conditions can be harsh. I recall this past Wednesday during the confirmation class, we spoke about “the dark night of the soul,” about times when one knows but doesn’t necessarily experience the power and presence of the LORD in their lives. We spoke about how some of the greatest saints have wrestled with that such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta and John of the Cross. We talked about perseverance in faith even when one is struggling, even when one can’t see the LORD’s hand at work in their lives.

I think back to periods in my own journey when I doubted, when I questioned, when I flailed in the darkness, struggling to find the light. We are called to be “perennials” in our journey. While we may have long and trying winters, we are called and gifted to hang on, to trust even through the darkness and cold. Hardiness is required for the journey.

During these troubling times with so much suffering in the world, I pray for those who are struggling that they may have the endurance necessary for the journey. And I pray for myself because I realize that my life is a choice, moment after moment. “LORD, give me perennial faith.”

I touch my pocket crucifix. I stare at the image of my loving Redeemer. Common sense would tell me that following in His footsteps wouldn’t be easy. “LORD, give me perennial faith.”

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.