Squirrels of Hope

Where have you seen hope in your world?  That was the question posed in the Advent worship service this past Wednesday evening. 

My reply to this “hope” question was in the squirrels across the street on the church lawn.  They seem to have claimed it all as their parish!  They were scampering around, stopping to bury and cover up whatever they were carrying in their cheeks.  They then had fun chasing each other.  This gave me hope, because those squirrels were hopeful - hopeful that when they return in the dead of winter, they will find the very food supply they had buried.  They are preparing for winter!

The seasons come and the seasons go.  It is a continual cycle.  The squirrels know that and are looking forward with hope to the next season.  It made me wonder if I do.  This COVID season sometimes seems hopeless, even with a vaccine on the horizon.  Can I take another holiday without family present?  How much longer can I sequester myself in this 650 square foot space?  What is hopeful in my life today?

After observing those squirrels and hearing our Advent lessons Wednesday night, I decided there is much for which to be hopeful, especially when I pin my hope on God and not myself or my circumstances.  Isaiah 58 says:  "The Lord will guide you continually.“  The word "continually” hit home with me.  Through every season God will guide me, whether it’s fall, winter, or even this COVID season!  

In Revelation 21:  "God will be with them.  He will wipe away every tear from their eye.“  That gives me hope.  I am not alone in this 650 square foot space. My tears, at times, do not go unnoticed.  Thanks be to God for giving Hope hope!