At my favourite micro-roaster in Abu Dhabi, a clear bottle caught my eye, a bottle of Hope. I cannot recall any bottle of water with a brand like this. Curious, I began to read the label, searching for the meaning of the Hope containers. The pitch was clear and direct. For every bottle of water purchased, the company would give a bottle away for free. It was even better than the shoe pitch from a decade ago. A one-for-one gift match.
As I enjoyed my coffee, the message of hope lingered. I caught myself thinking of the future and smiling as I listened to Life’s whispers.
Hope is amazing. It shows up in my life when I least expect it. I do not know how to create an invitation for Hope. More than an emotion, it shows up with words, a random look, and at times an idea. The power it brings is extraordinary. The way it changes how I see the present and the future is overpowering. It is an experience that gives me insight into Paul’s question; “Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out.” (Romans 11.33)
Hope is an invitation. When I realise Hope is residing within, I know she is sharing a call to action. There is no point in staying idle with Hope in the house. Hope invites me to plan, gifting me with her close friend, Courage. There are smiles to be shared, people to be embraced, and acts of kindness and care to be executed. The call is to be a force in moving to a better today with Hope in what is to come.
Hope is a way of being. I know when I am in the presence of hope. There is a one-to-one match of Hope and the individual which gifts me with the belief that we can accomplish impossible dreams, magnificent visions, and awesome results.
Today we can choose to be a container filled with Hope.
