Thomas Merton quote

I have become more and more of a fan of Thomas Merton in recent years, not so much of his philosophy or even every facet of his theology, but of his contemplations and inner life.  I respect the stripped-down, gut-wrenching, self-effacing honesty that seemed to characterize his life.  I admire the level of self-awareness and lack of pretention that allowed him to take such brutal stock of his life in the light of the Spirit.  In truth, I long for that kind of spiritual walk.  The following quote knocks me down with its authenticity every time I have read it over the course of my life, which is quite a few times:

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.  I do not see the road ahead of me.  I cannot know for certain where it will end.  Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.  But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You.  And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.  I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.  And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.  Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.  I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and  You will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

–Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude 

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