HOPE

For your consideration…

My favorite subject…obviously…HOPE.

We are born with HOPE in our life toolbox. But like any other tool, it gets rusty when we forget how to use it. Like any other tool, the more practice we have using it, the better we get at it.

HOPE is what sustains and keeps us going in tough times and when we meet challenges. It is also what pushes us forward in new life endeavors.

HOPE is a gift. It is something to be grateful for. Gratitude is what stokes HOPE‘s flame. Ungratefulness and pessimism douse that flame.

So we have a choice. We can bemoan 2020 and that complaining into 2021 or we can choose to stoke our HOPE.

HOPE has us believe that one day we will realize all of the many blessings 2020 brought to us. Someday we will realize how precious time with our loved ones is. Someday we will realize that the people we got to be around during the pandemic were the people we needed to be around. Someday we will realize how valuable freedom is. 2020 put a spotlight on those things. It gave us invaluable lessons including highlights the heroism of our fellow citizens.

Today we are asked to stoke our HOPE. Keep its flame bright and high.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Stoke our HOPE with gratitude.

What made me smile yesterday…

-A wonderful quiet day.

-Catching up with both my girls and Dianne.

-A new book makes me want to go spend some time in Ireland….hmmm…maybe someday.

-Lists, lists, lists…I just have to accept that planning is a big part of who I am.

Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris