Love Hopes

The start of 2012 was bumpy at best. And at worst, bumpier. It made me shiver inside to know some things have somewhat ended. The finality in all things of this world awoken me. And that took a bite of the hope I had in me.

Or so I thought.

I simply realized I must not hope in hope, but hope in God, hope in love. Some sense of the “best-is-yet-to-come” is not enough; that’s just optimism. But (excuse the cliche) hope floats. Optimism is grounded in ratio: half-empty or half-full. Hope, however, relies solely on absolutes:

a) I am not going to suffer forever. Unless of course I choose the road to perdition. That road is paved with good intentions. I intend to be good, to hope, to love, but I don’t DO. Hope allows me to understand that pain is a part of life, and the rewards of hard work and sacrifice await me. This narrow path is the only way to the golden gates.

b) I was designed for forever. This does not pertain to cryogenics or the fountain of youth. I am body-soul, a spiritual being. My temporal life is an extension of mercy, while my life in the hereafter is proof of my destiny…if I want an even sweeter experience. Hope helps me feed this soul with the promise of heaven.

c) I can rise above it all. I am taught that man is higher than the angels, having been made in the image of God. I was imagined into being, given life in a single breath. My heart will go through hoops of pain, over and over again. And yet I only really die when I do not love. This hope is my inner strength, facing each hurdle with a heart of a champion.

2012 is a great year —after a great loss, I am left with a great memory of a great love I once knew. The great lesson is before me. I hope to be a great student.

Love is hope with wings. All I need to do is take flight.

“Dear God, may I soar like an eagle. Help me see to it that love is my way and my goal. Thank you for your example on the Cross. I am encouraged to stretch out my arms as well so I can see what love can look like. Amen.”