When the creative future appears, we have two responses:
1. How could this have happened?
2. How could this not have happened?
Right now, my personal experience is somewhat like (a leap of assumption here, please accept) being three months pregnant. The process of the next six months is inexorable, inevitable, mostly uncomfortable, often painful, and then: utterly wonderful! A new creature comes into the world. Children, in the Orthodox tradition and in the culture of Southern Europe, are each and always a gift from God. In England, children are a punishment for unprotected sex.
At this point the metaphor is, I hope, somewhat strained. But, the new world is being born. Faith is not blind, but neither is the road ahead always illuminated by flares, and signposts flanked by guys waving torches & pointing. On the other hand, the road ahead is always illuminated, always has signposts, and there are always guys & gals waving & pointing.
Now, major business in hand requires my detailed and focused attention.
"The centre of discipline: the degree to which we are able to hold ourselves in front of a challenge."
