A Year of Hope

I spoke with a special friend a few days ago as she shared with our study group that she keeps a journal of sweet gifts that God gives her throughout the year. I asked her to tell me more about it and she said that Christmas had been a difficult for her once upon a time so a friend encouraged her to keep a journal of all the sweet gifts that God gives her throughout the year. She said that she was just getting ready to sit down and read through them. I appreciated her openness as she shared her struggle with the holidays because I too have struggled with some pain as this special day comes around. That's not to say that I don't love the music, the decorations, spending time with friends and family, etc....I do love it all. But, like many others I hae expereienced pain and am reminded of it during this time of year. Even as she shared her journal idea with me, my thoughts began to brighten because I too have been given many sweet gifts. Years ago when the pain was so difficult I asked, seeked, cried and fervently prayed that God would use this pain for good. There was a time in my life when the pain was so great that any hope was swallowed up by the darkness I felt. But, God in His graciousness sent the right people at the right time in my life. One sweet friend gave me a journal and told me to write down one thing each day that I was thankful for no matter how small it seemed. I have to admit that it was not always easy, nor did I do it each day....but, I did do it and as I took those steps to write, hope began to loom on the horizon. Many years have gone by since then and much good has come. I continue to think that God is not finished with this story, so I continue to believe in hope. I have thought a lot about that word because I have always wanted to encourage women to find hope in their lives. As I think about that, I have to ask "just what is hope?" Hope is about what is to come - what we wait expectantly for - what keeps us going. I don't know what it looks like for you, but I know that we all hold onto it especially when times are difficult. It is the spark that keeps us going, waiting, hoping. So, I thought that I would title this year for me, "A Year of Hope." I look forward expectantly knowing that God is working on our behalf and gives us the desires of our heart. I believe that those desires are coupled with the gifts that He gives us and that is exciting to me. I would love to hear from you and know what hope means to you!