“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:12

A recent vacation included a stopover in St. Louis and, of course, a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch. It was an experience I’d had years before but I was anxiously anticipating a return visit to the top. 

The Arch would be our first stop as we arrived in the city, but as we got closer, we encountered one of those afternoon thunderstorms that occur often in the Midwestern summers. It poured. And the kind of downpour where you can’t see the hood of you own car much less the car in front of you that may or may not have stopped because of the limited visibility.  

As the rain continued, I asked my son if a trip up in the Arch was even worth the effort. “We won’t be able to see a thing in this weather.” Being more optimistic than me, he said we should still try. “It’s clearing up,” he said as I strained to see the road. 

By the time we found a parking spot, bought our tickets, waited in line, took the ride to the top, indeed the rain had stopped. In fact it had become a beautifully clear afternoon. We could see across the landscape for miles as well as a bird’s eye view of the billowing storm clouds now off in the distance reflecting the afternoon sun in an array of colors. 

Too many times in our lives the storms roll in, often in a very unexpected manner. It becomes difficult to see God’s presence or plan in the midst of it all. The questions arise, “Why me?” “Why now?” “Where are you God?” Our faith is shaken. Doubts linger. 

The Apostle Paul describes these times in poetic fashion making the point that our faith and knowledge is only partial, like looking into a cloudy mirror. We live in these moments of in-between time when we can only see dimly. We know only in part. We constantly make choices based on incomplete information. Our view is clouded. 

It is not clear if Paul was speaking of the here or the hereafter. Either way, he encourages believers to live and endure these situations in life with the hope and knowledge that we will one day see face to face. And in that time, we will know fully, even as we have been fully known. It’s difficult to live that way. We want answers — now! We want an explanation even when there isn’t one to be had. Faith is difficult that way. Hope is what carries us through. Love is the greatest gift of all these. 

May the clouds part and your view be limitless.

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Todd Hackman is senior pastor at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Monroe.