I hope

I live in a marvelous world. From north to south I have seen the beauty of God's creation. From the mountains to the shore I have loved the outdoors. I get to find recreation in games like golf and hobbies like swimming. I get to exercise by climbing mountain trails or to sit in prayer and meditation beside still waters at a wilderness lake. I live a wonderful home with wonderful friends as neighbors, and a church family that gives me a chance to use the gifts God has given me. They also provide a community to support me in my times of challenge. I look at life and the world and wonder how I could ask for more.

I spend time with people so much of the time who have a completely negative world view. I wonder how they can live in the same place I do and not see the greatness of life even when it is difficult. It seems as though some people have blinders on that prevents them from enjoying the abundant opportunities and possibilities that surround them. It's seems like if you can't buy it you can't enjoy it. If you can't have it all you won't be happy with any of it. All or nothing when you can never have it all is not satisfying. Contentment is elusive because it comes from within, while people look for it without. This creates a hopeless life.

I hope I always have an ability to see this great gift of life. I hope others find the same joy that I've found. I hope blind eyes see and the overwhelming blindness of materialism is healed in our world. I already have the perfect hope of rejoining Marsha in the eternal kingdom of God, but I hold out hope that a renewal will sweep this world helping us to appreciate all we have. I hope we can live without always being consumed with a need for more. Unrealistic, maybe but there is always hope.