Hope

Sometimes I can’t decide whether I am a “sunrise” or “sunset” kind of person. Tonight, the choice was “sunset”.  As we left the place we had dinner, the sky was beautifully pink (a most excellent color if you are a BC survivor). As we crossed the Reservoir coming home, this was our view. I needed this. It has been a busy, confusing, fun, and emotional past few weeks. All that leaves you tied up in knots. Focusing on the hope that Christ alone gives us, brings me back around.

I went to my 40th high school class reunion. It was more fun than I ever hoped or imagined. Maybe maturity brings us all in line – who knows. But I enjoyed all of it. Saw two friends (married to each other) from childhood that I know I have not seen in 20 years. The visit was great and with Annah, especially, was deep. Four days later, she moved from this life to Heaven, the victim of a massive heart attack. Clark and her children (and her many friends) need and are sustained by His hope.

I was reminded that life is far too short to just make passing gestures toward those you love. I have also been reminded of the impact of a life well lived as I have read and heard the wonderful things many have shared about her impact on their lives. I believe with all my heart, that when face-to-face with Jesus, He said “Well done, Annah.”

On the other side of all this is new life. Friends who have waited a long time for an adoption match, brought home a baby girl in May. Another couple brought home a baby girl TODAY! And yet another couple got word they have matched and the baby is due in October. Still another couple close to my heart brought home an older girl and she is already a part of our hearts and family. Hope. Sustains. Hope. Fulfills. Hope.

Vance Havner summed up the ups and downs on life this way. He said, there are five words you are never to forget no matter the circumstance. Those words: “For this I have Jesus.” Hope.

Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) is one of the best passages on hope that I know: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.