Is there a place for "realism" in a person of faith?

Recently I re-read part of Joseph Smith's "Lectures on Faith." Great stuff. And I was reminded that faith is a principal containing two parts: power and action. To believe, to hope, to watch for something greater in the future. that is a kind of power. To orient ourselves toward a certain outcome always helps in the delivery of that outcome. For instance, to orient ourselves with the expectation of a nurturing conversation with a friend helps bring that very thing about. Its also called being intentional. There is a lot of power in being intentional.

The second part of faith is action. If I am orienting myself towards a nurturing conversation with a friend (being intentional) I will also take specific actions to contribute towards that outcome. Maybe I'll ask some questions about how she is feeling. Maybe I'll give her an update on something big that's been going on in my life. I'll take time to listen. I'll speak from the heart. These are all decisions. They don't happen on their own. And indeed, these actions will help bring the outcome about that I desire.

That's where I think realism comes in to play with the faith equation. Realism tells us that work will be required for a thing to happen. The hopeful power of faith tells us that something good might be possible. Realism tells us its going to be tough, and possibly might not happen. So realism reminds us to put in work. Realism reminds us that there will be setbacks. The work is to be willing to invest our own efforts. Because truly nothing is free. I've found that miracles and deliverance and luck and opportunities ALWAYS come dressed in overalls and handing you a proverbial shovel. The work part can't be ignored.

My husband was really nice to me after some tough times in our relationship this weekend. He looked at me yesterday morning, after his prayers, and said, "I think the changes we are going through will be for our good." I was grateful for that. He could have pouted. He could have blamed. But instead, he turned toward faith. And THAT, in that very moment, felt to me as if it (the faith part of him) was contributing to the very desired outcome we both wanted. If he had moaned (not had faith) and said the changes are only going to be garbage, THAT would have contributed to a garbage outcome. But with hope for better, he and I will hopefully take steps to contribute (the work) to the outcomes we are striving for. I know that's vague and cryptic, but I hope that makes sense.

I do believe faith is a principal of power/belief and also action/realism. The two work together in tandem. Religious people of faith aren't out there acting like they are on weed and everything is going to be fine if there is enough faith (picture them meditating in robes all day while ignoring the dishes and bills). We get it. Its gonna take work, and a lot of adjusting, with lessons learned along the way. But that won't stop us from having faith.