There are dawns and then there are dawns. Some are remembered, others quickly forgotten. Hope often arrives with the light after the darkest part of the night. More than seven decades ago, there was a bombing in Pearl Harbor. It changed how a nation looked at a war that was dominating the rest of the world. Emotions moved from being distantly supportive to fully, completely, and totally engaged. As enemy fighter planes and bombers dominated one beautiful and peaceful island in the Pacific, whatever the thinking of yesterday was, it changed.
In contrast, yesterday morning dawned with a sense of anticipation and hope. People from all walks of life anticipated coming together, affirming, blessing, and celebrating a marriage. As this morning unfolded the anticipation grew, realized by ceremony, conversations, and a host of new memories.
I hear the fear and uncertainty mixed with thanksgiving for the sacrifices that many made in response to that day. By all accounts, the old morning came as a day in paradise. Some look back, reflecting on the cruel irony played out during the day, saying Hope “springs up gloriously with the rising sun and is cut down without a second thought.” (Psalm 90.6)
Uncertainty and its friends are always hiding in the dawn of our lives. I witnessed two faces filled with thanksgiving, hope, joy and wonder as they committed to a life together. I also saw the trembling hand of one wrapped by the another’s guiding hand putting on a ring, only to feel that I was intruding with an intimate pat and squeeze of assurance. I know Hope lives!
In each dawn, Life reminds me to,
Embrace every sighting of Hope. Hope brings energy and courage for our hearts.
Engaged in every moment. We may be called to celebrate, defend, and deal with life’s stuff. To live fully and completely means to be engaged, passionate, and committed.
Love and hold those you love close to your heart. Love is fragile. Love needs to be protected. It is also the armor that gives us the ability to be gods.
