Today I had a conversation with a dear friend. She could barely bring herself to say the words, but it’s possible that an engagement (and a ring and a wedding and all that!) is not too long in coming. She feels more hopeful than she ever has and she said, “I just feel like things might be too good to be true; like the bottom is just waiting to drop out.”
Why is it so hard for us to hope? Why do we so quickly qualify the good and amazing things that happen in our lives – or even the good and amazing things about us – with words, thoughts, and behavior that tone down that very hope?
(S)he who has never hoped can never despair. (George Bernard Shaw)
I get it. But tonight, as I picture her radiant face in my mind, I hope for her hope: that it will not be tentative, but bold, risky, full, and radiant…And, of course, I hope that she will not know despair – at least not in this.
What if we committed to not allow tentative hope in our lives; but only that which is bold, risky, full, and radiant? It sounds bold and risky…but also incredibly hopeful.
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I appreciate this entry. I thank the Lord for it today. I am 36 and single. I hesitate to hope in marriage because it does feel so risky to my heart. It has been in the last four months or so that I have decided I would actually talk to the Lord about it and to ask Him for my heart’s desire. It feels really scary and really healthy at the same time. I know first and foremost that if it is this significant to me right now, that it needs to be discussed with Him. I can’t fully relate with Him or connect with Him if I am not telling Him about this pain. I hope that marriage is not an idol. I am a counselor and see too many hard things for me to believe that it is in any way and “answer” to life…I only want it if it is about the Kingdom of God…but to have someone who wants to be in this with me and actually says you are worth it to me…that is a strong desire. I have finally tried let go of trying to control it or figure it out. I need to just set it down in front of the One who is in control and let Him do what He needs to do and when He wants to do it. I don’t trust myself anyway….but thank you for your thoughts and encouragement to push others to hope when it feels like the impossible thing to do.