Sometimes one does something because of the right reason. Continuing to take the right action without knowing if there is a connection on the other side takes conviction. As much as I would like to suggest that conviction and belief are always enough, at times it is tough to keep going.
There are two events that stand out. Several years ago there was a voice message on my phone at 3.30 am.
“I got it.”
While I recognized the voice, I had no idea what s/he had received. I could not imagine what it had to do with me. I had not mailed anything, asked anyone to give anything, or taken any action that might be construed as a gift.
The voice on the answering machine had woken me and my curiosity. To the voice that answered my call the question was simple.
“Got what?”
Today I received a simple picture with three short sayings. While I have yet to fully close the loop, I realize that another connection has been made. Life likes to remind me that Awareness connected with Hope is the beginning of learning. Awareness is never enough. Conviction is never enough. Both take Hope to give one the energy and courage to do something different.
I want to live in a world better than what it is today. I would like to do the stuff of change that takes us towards that place. I also want to encourage others to do the same in a way that works for her/him. To the ones in my life that gifted me with hope, I would say that “You started the springs and rivers, sent them flowing among the hills.” (Psalm 104.10) Outcomes in the present that are not so good are not your responsibility. However, you deserve the credit for gifting courage and energy to make a difference.
I want to let you know that your gift of Hope lives on in the lives of others. My prayer is that the stream that started with others before continues to flow freely and abundantly.
