Doubt

Every quarter I write an investment letter to our clients and I effectively have been doing that for many many years. Still, each quarter there is a day of mental anguish: "what if I have nothing worthwhile to say this time around, what if my writing style is not up to the mark?" This is what the mind does, it doubts and worries. While these persistent doubts are just annoying, I think the spiritual path traveler can actually learn something from them. This institution in your head that worries and doubts is the one you like to monitor, so when in doubt, there is your opportunity to be aware of what is going on in your mind. Faith is the realization that the same movie with only slight variations is plotting along every day and that based on your experience a helping hand is always out there. Most likely whatever happens today will be just perfect, and if not, a learning opportunity is around the corner and that situation will be ok too. Psalm 23 comes to mind:

 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.