Faith in 2011.

I feel like I write about this a lot, but I really do feel so grateful for the people in my life. Tonight a group of good friends sat on our couch and shared if we wanted more HOPE, LOVE, or FAITH in 2011. What a great question to discuss. I want to be better about having more intentional discussions like that with the people I see on a daily basis. I got to have some really good conversations with some friends and family while I was visiting Chicagoland for the holidays. I feel like I try to fit in so much and see so many people on my visits, but I always leave feeling fulfilled and loved. The conversations were intentional and real and deep.. because we go months without seeing each other and maybe not talking- so catching up is necessary. I love it and I decided that energizes me.
Anyways... I decided that I would like to have more faith in 2011. I've definitely grown to be quite a sceptic in the area of religion the past few years. I don't regret that, but I do miss that feeling of a "child-like" faith and having conversations about what God is doing in our lives. I desire that feeling again, and I also desire more of those conversations. I want to feel authentic, and not forced. I want it to not be cliche, and not make people uncomfortable. I remember a time in college when I felt the most solid about my faith, and just the confidence that brought out in me with who I was. I think that a strong faith gives a person a confidence that makes them glow, that treats people well, that makes right decisions. I know we are all humans, and make plenty of mistakes... and I certainly feel like I am hard on myself- and internalize a lot of crap that I wish I wouldn't have done or wouldn't have said. But I am so grateful for that Grace that wipes me clean, and I want to bask in that gratitude daily.
Happy New Year. Here's to 2011.
I'll leave you with words from Mumford & Sons:
"Go over the hill and see what you find there. With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair."
-Mumford & Sons After the Storm

Comments

Unknown said…
Nice Kristin! i think faith is probably the hardest to define of the 3 (HOPE, LOVE, FAITH) and is so individual. There is faith in God (of one's understanding), faith in the American people, faith in humanity, faith in the universe... i find my most unchallenged faith lies in nature, the amazing ever-changing mashup of species co-existing on Earth for millions (or perhaps billions) of years. In the end, nature goes on, adapting to changing conditions where survival isn't a goal but the rules. My faith in humanity fluctuates, but increases when humanity trends towards working with and within nature. Faithfull New Year!
January 9, 2011 at 9:42 AM
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