Today, I was asked by my colleagues at the Ursinus Association to share my faith journey with them. However, I was preoccupied with other tasks, and the thought of sharing at the meeting did not initially come to mind. This experience served as a reminder of how crucial it is for us to be familiar with our own stories. At first, this may seem like an obvious idea – of course, we should know our own story. However, our stories are not fixed and unchanging like a nonfiction book. Instead, they are ongoing and constantly evolving as we grow and interpret our past experiences in different ways.
Having the chance to recount, relive, and retell my faith journey felt like looking at my reflection in a mirror. It allowed me to see myself during pivotal moments in my life, such as when I lost my first tooth and the tooth fairy left a dollar under my pillow or when my father beamed with pride on the day I received my doctorate. Can you recall the first grey hair on your head and the thoughts that went through your mind? Perhaps, like me, when we reflect on our past, we may feel a pang of sorrow as we revisit painful losses or challenging transitions.
As we continue to grow spiritually, we must learn to embrace the changes that come our way. We must flow with life’s transitions and understand that even during the most challenging times, God remains a constant presence. The spirit guides and protects us, even when we have to walk through the darkest valleys. It is by willingly and gratefully moving through these transitions that our awareness of God and our connection with the holy spirit deepens and strengthens.
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.—Ecclesiastes 3:1