This week we turn our eyes towards Advent—a time of waiting in anticipation for the coming of the Christ child. A time of waiting within the shadows and darkness with hope—real hope.
Real hope is hard. Real hope does not spout forth platitudes. Real hope is defiant and courageous. Real hope lights a candle in the darkness again and again and again.
At a time when it would be oh so easy to slip into feelings of despondency and despair, real hope stubbornly refuses to be extinguished if we pay attention and open ourselves to all the wonders around us.
*the desert bursting forth in colorful array only after heavy rains
* the calling of sandhill cranes overhead winging their way to familiar ground
* the outpouring of helping hands and supplies following natural disasters
* the marchers gathered in the streets with voices raised in protest calling for justice
* the bristlecone pine with branches twisted by winds and roots clinging tightly to rocky ground for hundreds of years
* the squeals and laughter of children racing down the hill
So, the invitation before us during this season of waiting is to truly look and listen to the wonders that surround and amaze us and to hold tightly to that stubborn, courageous real hope.
Prayer: Holy One, As we enter this time of expectant waiting, awaken in us a sense of wonder and amazement. Let us enter each day in anticipation of surprises that renew within us stubborn and courageous hope. Amen.
Lauren Blackwell and her wife, Diane Brewer, have been members of Highland for 30+ years. When not playing with beads, Lauren and Diane are usually off on another adventure or chilling with their dogs, Koki and Zac.