Until the Stalk of Faith Stands Upright

Every so often, our whole family goes to the countryside on Saturday evenings to help with the farm work.

On this particular day, the corn we had planted earlier was growing in neat rows along the furrows. We were told that, for the corn to grow strong and healthy, any overgrown side shoots should be snapped off, and if a stalk is leaning, it should be straightened and supported with soil. As I examined the stalks more closely, I noticed side shoots peeking out from the main stems. When I snapped off one of those pesky little shoots, it broke away with a sharp crack, and I felt oddly refreshed.

It made me wonder whether my faith, too, might have overgrown side shoots that need pruning, or whether it is leaning and wavering like a stalk that has yet to take firm root in the soil. I resolved to remove the temptations and trials that hinder my spiritual growth and to cultivate a faith that stands upright and steadfast.