Time to Get Our Hope Up

In my neighborhood, the large, imposing and the small, non-intimidating campaign signs have been removed from their lofty positions on our yards. I’ll admit – I’m pleased to pass by my neighbors’ homes without “judging” them one way or another based on their choice of candidate. Now, we can get back to the business of “loving our neighbors” without bias. While we are still in a quandary as to the outcome of this presidential election, I wonder how those feel who invested so much into campaigning, making phone calls, spending hefty sums of money into their candidates of choice, hours upon hours knocking on doors and committing their lifelong dreams to the outcome of this election. I hope they are pleased that they gave their heart and soul to something they believed in so much. Come what may, I played the part I could play, and I voted according to my personal beliefs. I’ll admit my disappointment that there isn’t a clear winner yet -- like the presidential elections I’ve witnessed in my lifetime. But, while I’m disappointed, I am not without hope, because that’s not where my hope lies. I’m sorry for those who placed their hopes in a man or woman who they believe can turn our country into a Fantasy Island of dreams-come-true, where everyone agrees with each other and where hope springs eternal. While Americans argue about the election and its results, let's be people who are too busy loving and caring to hate. I have my hope up. Do you? I have an optimistic and positive frame of mind that God has not left us to fend for ourselves. He is still with us – guiding and directing us – if we pay attention to His presence. I play on two bocce ball league teams. Both of my teams were having a great year with losing only one game each. We knew we wouldn’t get first place, but second place was in sight – until last Wednesday night’s and Thursday morning’s games. Both teams came with crankiness. “I hate this court.” “Our HOA dues should take better care of these courts.” “My play stinks tonight!” I had had it with both teams and said “Attitude determines our altitude! Let’s get our hope and talk up!” My admonition came too late because we lost both games. Now, take that to the way we live our lives daily. Are we “hope” messengers or are we VDPs (very draining people)? Do we bring hope and great expectation to those around us? Are we hope messengers who help people feel encouraged? Do people feel more hopeful after they’ve spent time with us? One of the great things about getting older is getting wiser and being able to share the lessons I’ve learned in life. Helping people to believe that tomorrow can be better than today is an incredible gift and can change lives in powerful ways. It’s time to get our hope up and our “expectors” expecting. Let’s be hope messengers so others become hope messengers, too! “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him….” (Romans 15:13)