As I was typing this, two songs from my favorite album were playing in my head, so I've linked to them here (one at the top and the other at the bottom). May you feel the hope that resounds through them as you read.
I don't think we realize how important hope is until it's lost.
Children, by their very essence, are hope personified. Before they're born, we hope for their health. Once born, we hope to be the best parent for them. As they grow, we hope they make the decisions that lead them to a happy, productive life. And, when it's time to let them go, we hope we've done enough.
Though love and trust are two major pedestals of marriage, we don't have a solid basis without an equal amount of hope. We hope for true love (not the fairy tale stuff our society upholds, but the true, deep, everlasting love that survives not only the initial fiery passion of a new relationship, but the smoldering embers that have to be coaxed alive again and again throughout life). We hope for open, honest communication. And, we hope the person we stand in front of friends and family to commit our life to is as equally committed.
In all things, though, it's the hope we wake up with every day that sustains us. From trivial hopes like good weather, clear traffic and a stress-free work day to the bigger hopes that what we do makes a difference in the world, that nothing we say or do brings pain or suffering and that this isn't the day we get 'the call' that a loved one is seriously ill, dying or has already passed over.
But, in a time where hope seems to literally be draining from the world and our very existence, it's often hard to feel the vital light hope brings. It's like being in a darkened labyrinth without a light ahead to lead or stars overhead to guide. So, when even the smallest hope is sparked, I feel an illumination that warms my heart and soul.
My wish is that we all find that ray of hope to illuminate our hearts and sustain us into a better tomorrow.
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