In Luke 12 :54-55, Jesus said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Sometimes, I think I would like everything to be predictable no unpleasant surprises everything to stay the same. However, in life we all inevitably face challenges that require us to embrace change.

So, what are some of these trials that test our capabilities? We all have situations that we need to tackle during certain periods in our life. From someone close to us being ill to people coming and going from our lives. Pope Francis gives the best explanation, “It impels us to reflect on how we evaluate the things that happen around us”. Thus, beseeching us to listen, to watch and observe so that we can discern the way forward.

Hence, what is the way forward? Jesus states, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?” (Luke 12:56) Thus, I believe Jesus is asserting the way forward is for all Christians to adapt and continually change while living according to the Gospel values. That means being courageous and not living with fear but trusting that with God’s grace the decisions we make will create change bringing positivity and joy to the people in our lives.

In Luke 10: 23 Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!” This would have to be one of my favourite scripture verses because to me it implies that you go beyond looking at how life is but what it could be.  So, when I unpack this statement my initial thought is that you have the ability to see possibilities. Therefore, to be able to do that I would argue this requires a faith component.

 The question I now ask is why is this an essential factor?  I believe that through my faith I have a sense of optimism in my life. No matter the daily challenges I face I know when I pray or read scripture I am inspired and a positive outcome is achievable not only for now but for the future.

 Through deeper reflection I reaIise my journey of faith is a strong influence for who I am today and in the future.  I think about the different challenges I have faced throughout my life and how it has shaped my decision-making learning both from my successes and my triumphs. Moreover, understanding and acknowledging that God was a major presence in my life along the way.

 My final thoughts are that I need to peel off the layers and go straight to the heart of the matter seeing people and situations for what they really are and not what I perceive them to be. What that demands of me is allowing myself to be vulnerable and placing my trust in God.