Deer in the Headlights

I want to write again about the article that defines so well where I stand.  I am not articulate like many.  I have a limited way with words and only occasionally get blown away by the beauty of what I have written.  More often than not, when that happens, I feel like a spectator and marvel at what is on the page.
So to have something written that I feel expresses my feelings is a bonus for me.  It is a case of wow, someone else is expressing what I am feeling.  That is actually a real encouragement to me as it is always nice to catch up with another walking the same track and to engage in conversation that reflects the feelings of both of us.
So I am happy to use another’s thoughts where they express better than I the way I feel.
“Realism refuses to let difficulty have the final word. Realism acknowledges limitations while still believing in the unlimited.  Hope grows because faith refuses to let realism become the final authority.
That balance changes everything.  Planning is careful and expectant, decisions are responsible, yet open to change as seen necessary. 
Faith is often misunderstood, especially when circumstances feel overwhelming.  Some think faith means denying reality. Yet faith faces reality honestly and does not pretend facts are untrue, but it does refuse to let those realities define actions.  Faith says, “this is hard”, without concluding, “this is hopeless.” It recognizes limitations without assuming those limitations are final.
Faith knows change often comes slowly and keeps trusting, even when there is little visible evidence that anything is changing.  It is not dramatic or passive - just consistent. Decisions are made not because success is guaranteed, but because faith has proven to be reasonable even when a situation looked impossible.” 
(The Danger of “Realistic” Thinking Without Faith - by Thom Rainer)
Again, I have made a few changes in there and do not say this is what someone said, but it is the way I heard what someone said.  I guess it honestly means heaps to me as I am not immune to doubt or impatience, yet I have proven for myself the trustworthiness of who I trust.  I know my doubt is born of the inadequacy of my view rather than inconsistency in the object of my trust.