hi Steve,
I think you are right about faith not being a tangible quality. It isn't really something we can get a grasp on, we just have to believe.
Sometimes I think it might be too overwhelming if we could see the big picture, so perhaps that is why life appears in small glimpses ? I do believe in the idea of Divine timing and things happening for a reason, at least most of the time. Then there are times when I doubt, just about everything... this can be helpful too, these times of doubt, because it gives us the opportunity to look at things in a different way. Perhaps there is something that needs changing, a new way of doing something ? Maybe it is a time to sit and take notice of what it is we are seeking, wanting, hoping will happen. Then we take steps to try and make this happen.
hugs,
Into Blue
i doubt that many among us have to be to concerned with seeing the whole picture in our present state of evolution. Yet we all have glimpses of how actions by others will result in a probable fate. Would it not be beneficial to us if we could see the results of actions that we are putting in motion now for ourselves? If we had more clarity with regards to our actions and future events perhaps we could cauterize them with wisdom and not have to experience the brunt of the karma associated with those actions.
What we are seeking, wanting and hoping will happen is not always something that manifests. How we think it will occur and the satisfaction associated with these events is not always forthcoming. So it may be best at times to look at things in a different way to spare ourselves chasing after the wind. 'Sitting and taking notice' as you describe it may render important intuitional messages that can change our course of actions and save us a lot of troubles later. Doubt is often a sign that we have taken a wrong course of action or do not have a understanding of the meaning of events.
Sometimes faith and trust is manifests as patience with delays that often give us insights into the motivations of others and the misconceptions of our own attitudes. Other times the delays and procrastination of others gives us a barometer reading of their sincerity and love for us. Faith in how things are playing out also includes these ideas. It is something that we realize and help each other understand on our spiritual journey onward and upward.
J
