“I thought ... that I was carried in the will of Him I love, but now I see that I walk with it. I thought that the good things He sent drew me into them as the waves lift the islands; but now I see that it is I who plunge into them with my own legs and arms, as when we go swimming. I feel as if I were living in that roofless world of [Earth] where men walk undefended beneath naked heaven. It is a delight with terror in it! One's own self to be walking from one good to another, walking beside Him as Himself may walk, not even holding hands. How has He made me so separate from Himself? How did it enter His mind to conceive such a thing? The world is so much larger than I thought. I thought we went along paths--but it seems there are no paths. The going itself is the path.”
Modern Relevance
In this poignant quote from C.S. Lewis's work, the idea of walking alongside one's faith and actively participating in one's journey with God is exemplified. This concept of taking responsibility for one's spiritual growth and actively engaging with one's beliefs continues to hold relevance in the modern world. Let's explore how this idea of personal agency in one's faith journey can be applied to contemporary contexts.
Quote Analysis
In this quote by C.S. Lewis, the speaker reflects on their relationship with God and the realization that they are not simply being carried along by divine will, but actively participating in their own journey. The imagery of walking and swimming suggests a sense of autonomy and agency in one's spiritual growth. The speaker also expresses awe at the vastness of the world and the limitless possibilities it offers. This quote illustrates a profound sense of wonder and gratitude for the opportunity to navigate life's journey alongside a higher power.
Reflection on Divine Will and Personal Agency
In this passage, C.S. Lewis contemplates the relationship between divine will and personal agency. He describes a realization that he is not merely being carried by the will of God, but actively walking alongside it. The imagery of swimming and plunging into good things highlights the active participation in one's journey through life. Lewis marvels at the vastness of the world and the unknown paths that lie ahead, acknowledging the mystery and beauty of the journey itself.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on the quote by C.S. Lewis, consider the following questions:
- How does the concept of walking with the will of God resonate with you personally?
- In what ways do you see yourself actively participating in the good things that come your way, rather than being passively carried along by external forces?
- Do you find comfort or fear in the idea of walking undefended beneath the open sky, trusting in God's guidance?
- Reflect on a time when you have felt separate from God and consider how you can strengthen your connection with Him.
- How does this quote challenge your perception of the world and your place in it?
Similar quotes
“The world is so much larger than I thought. I thought we went along paths--but it seems there are no paths. The going itself is the path.”
“I don’t want to love him—this would be so much simpler if I didn’t. But I do.He’s funny, and passionate, and strong, and he believes in me more than I even believe in myself. When he looks at me, I feel like I could take on the whole world and come out standing tall. I like myself better when I’m with him, because of how he sees me. He makes me feel beautiful and powerful, like I’m the most important thing in the world, and I don’t know how to walk away from that. I don’t know how to walk away from him.”
“I want you to be happy, and him to be happy. And yet when you walk that aisle to meet him and join yourselves forever you will walk an invisible path of the shards of my heart, Tessa. I would give over my own life for your happiness. I thought perhaps that when you told me you did not love me that my own feelings would fall away and atrophy, but they have not. They have grown every day. I love you now more desperately, this moment, than I have ever loved you before, and in an hour I will love you more than that.”
“I am used to going to and fro without much thought. Walking alone, I am used to never having a conversation about the whys, when's, and how's of getting from one side of a strett to the other.But walking in twosome is different. It seems to require an ungodly amount of conversation. Because, it seems, James (my new husband) has a strategy for crossing roads, and a need to teach it to me. I did not know that; I did not know that my street-crossing skills were so in need of improvement.”
“I stepped closer still. He closed his eyes again and covered my hand with his own. 'You smell of violets. You always smell of violets,' he said. 'You've no idea how many times I have walked these moors and smelled them and thought you were near. On and on I walked, following the scent of you, and you were never there. When I saw you in the hall tonight, I thought I had finally gone mad.”