Hope is just a small word. What does it mean? In the dictionary hope is defined as desire accompanied by expectations of or belief in fulfillment. That’s a mouthful. To me it is waiting for something joyful that will occur in the future. A wedding, a new baby, a new job, a new house, a new church, a vacation, or anything expected to bring light into your life.
Jesus made this promise in Matthew when he told us he would return to take us to heaven. That is real hope, spending eternity in the presence of Jesus. Our light at the end of the tunnel.
But how do we live with this hope? Our world is a mess right now, so it is hard to see the light and have hope. A couple of years ago I wrote a paper about my journey with the youth. Working with the youth at 2BC has been one of the greatest joys in my life. And they give me HOPE. They see 2BC as their safe place where they can learn how to cope and how to have hope through Jesus. They are strong, smart, and courageous young people learning about life. They will survive and change what they can. I see hope in them.
God, help us understand your ways to give people hope. Give us strength to bring hope to the homeless, hungry, suffering and lonely. Help us bring a smile to someone who just needs a good laugh. Help us love one another and our neighbors as ourselves as if it is the most important thing, because it is. Amen.
This reflection was written by Sharon Henry.