Have you ever asked for something only to realize when you receive it that you have already had it in your possession?
I have a picture painted by a friend hung near where I write. In reflection I often catch myself absently mindedly looking at the painting. Despite the fact that I have looked at this painting for well over a decade, I still experience new insights and emotions. Something hidden within the temples set in a forest and mountain top give rebirth to forgotten memories and the associated past actions of Divinity in life.
I know beauty, wonder, and hope have been part of my life. There are experiences and memories filled with examples of each. In this context, in the darkness of many mornings, I catch myself asking God to reveal hope through the beauty and wonder in life. I sit in the stillness quietly rephrasing the psalmist’s words; “Show us how much you love us, God! Give us the salvation we need!” (Psalm 85.7)
Today, as the wind gently moves the crystals in the table lamp and wind chime, I can hear reminders of beauty, hope, and wonder that have already been etched deeply into the essence of my heart and soul. I can see them while struggling to touch them. The reminders I am holding include the following.
Returning to a moment of beauty is in itself an act of courage. When I let go and sit fully present in the memory, Life reintroduces me to Hope.
One of the greatest barriers to Hope is the difficulty in forgiving myself for squandered opportunities and mistakes. It is always helpful to say the same as God and those who love you say; I forgive you, stand tall, refreshed and new.
It is ok to ask even if you remember that you already have what you are seeking. Help comes in many forms – mustering the courage to act, accepting unconditional gifts that can never be repaid, and being the catalyst (Hope) the encourages you to step into the present equipped with beauty and wonder.
