Hope in . . .

Spring awakens in all of us a renewed hope for things to come. Almost like listening to the politicians. You know, the ones that stand up and do more then just promise less taxes, (as if that will ever happen). If we look back, we can remember politicians promising the sun. Then there were other ones, who made no promise but offered us hope in a better tomorrow. And isn’t that what we want? And a real wave of hope we should grab onto, taking it as far as we can. Don’t we hope for a better future? They are things like, better relationships then we have had? A great education in a prestigious school, a better job and more money and the car, home and pool?
Those of us who live closer to the ground have much simpler hopes. Hope for good crops and for business to pick up. Hope for people to get along better. Even hope to make the rent or mortgage payment due in a week. Some people even hope for rain, or large sunflowers. Our lives are filled with new hope that only covers up the reality that many of our previous hopes have failed to materialize. If we look at them closely, many of them encompass the ridiculous to sublime. Okay, who is hoping to win the lottery on Saturday?
In a country like we live in, it’s easy to hope for . . . and even the attainment and enjoyment of the Canadian Dream. Which by the way is much different then our southern neighbours. We hope for a better life for our children. We even hope that we are a good enough parent to raise wonderful children.
While at Drumbo School for eight years I watched many a child, your child, experience the fulfillment of humble questions being answered simply enough so they could take hold of something new. Hope for good marks, hope for someone to play with, hope no one will make fun of them because . . . Their hopes and dreams grew as they did. Their world changed as each grade and each birthday came and went. It was something to see. It was wonderful to see the change from a timid, quiet, unassuming kindergarten child just learning to tie their shoes and finger paint, into a young poised and confident young person ready to attack the world and all that is out there. I have heard many a teacher at grade eight grad say, “I remember when they first . . . ” Or a parent wiping tears away while saying, “It seems like only . . .” Each of us looks on them and wishes and prays their hopes and dreams will all come true.
The reality of it is, we live in a world filled with lost dreams and crushed hope. Where dreams are destroyed when dashed against the rocks and all too often we discover we often lose hope. Paul writes in the Book of Romans, about real hope. Hope of the glory of God. I honestly believe hope in God brings to each person a joy and peace that can never be achieved through this world or hope in anything this world has to offer. It is a realization that lets us know that with God we are in the right place and, and, “It is well with my soul.” Who is your hope in?
Something to think about
Rob