Faith is defined in the dictionary as (and I'm avoiding a religious definition for now) "complete trust or confidence in someone or something." I will even give credit to my friend Melissa B., who put it once as "believing without seeing." I think that's a great way to think about it, too. Props to you, PAN! There is more that's fabulous about you than your hair.
So, having said that, how does one develop faith, if ever? I tell you, my own quest for faith was not always so unwavering. I definitely hit a point in college where I was very far from my personal choice of higher power. Caught up in being the egocentric, all-knowing, full-of-hubris, young and invincible college student, I did not look to God much then. I also did not understand my place not just in this world, but the whole grand scheme of things - the universe, for lack of a better term. I struggled mightily to accept things that happened, and focused so much on trying to figure out who I was, what I wanted right then (and in life), etc.
As I moved through the remainder of my 20's and into my early 30's, I floundered still but worked more and more to get back to a better place spiritually. Accepting that so much was out of my control became easier as I got older. As I said before, older does not always mean wiser, but I like to think that I was learning at least. I would fight off anger about things that had nothing to do with me by reminding myself that everything in the universe is unfolding exactly as it should. As heinous as some crimes are, or as cruel or greedy or selfish as people can be, all of these things happen for a reason.
The only way I can think this way is to have faith. I must have supreme confidence, not just in God (for me personally), but in the whole ball of wax. I have to believe there is something better out there, that our souls transcend the physical, as well as time and space. My life has been coming together in such a way that I simply sit back and let gratitude pour out of me. I believe that the largest reason for this coming together is because I've submitted to faith, to simply letting go and knowing that nothing is put in front of me that I can't handle. If I choose to be guided through difficulties, and if I choose to be thankful for blessings, I know that my life can be the most peaceful, fulfilling journey.
In conclusion, when Tebow Tebows, I genuinely feel his gratitude, because I have faith in his faith, and believe that he believes. I definitely enjoy watching him play, because there is a tranquility about him under duress that I greatly admire, and let's face it, the guy just seems to get 'er done. The only way someone can keep himself that "in check" is to have the utmost faith in whatever higher power he chooses, which as we all know in Tebow's case is Jesus Christ. I'm not here to preach at all, or to promote any particular deity. I just want people to have more faith: in the grand scheme of things, in other people, in themselves. Know it will all work out if you believe it will, and when it does, don't forget to Tebow to show your gratitude and faith.
Coach! 1. Thank you for saying such nice things about me. It's always nice to hear!
ReplyDelete2. I think it's so sad that people make so much fun of Tebow! I'm glad he's willing to be who he is despite all the shenanigans. I think too many people are scared of stepping on toes or being different to really just express their beliefs like that.