Hope are you There?

This Fall, I was struck with disbelief, sadness, and mourning. I tried to stay calm and hopeful, but it was tricky. I cried, talked with others, and prayed. One morning, I decided to take an early walk. It could alleviate my feelings and provide me with some needed spiritual energy.

As I began the walk, I realized I was not walking my typical route. I side-stepped here and there, making different turns. While rounding my last lap, I saw the sun directly facing me as it rose. I had no sunglasses to protect my eyes and was trying to walk without looking directly at it. It was so bright that I was tempted to glance at it, even if for a second. And so I did, but quickly turned my face. Its brightness was impressive… as bright as only the sun could be in all its glory. I smiled and let its warmth embrace me, thanking God for the gift.

When I returned home, I sat for my devotional time, thinking about the sun's brightness and wondering what it was trying to tell me, if anything.

I thought of a favorite scripture. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10

I thought of God’s steadfast love and promised we would never be alone.

I thought of my family, friends, work, and church community…  all of whom I would lean on.

I thought of what a friend said to me a couple of days earlier…“The only way to defeat the darkness is with light.”

And I prayed… grateful for the sun, God’s steadfast love, and all of God’s promises to us through the ages.

In the days ahead, I hope to remember this experience and allow the light of God to burst through in different ways. It did many years ago when Christ came as a baby to fulfill a promise. Then, too many faced darkness, but the light gave them the hope they needed. This gives me hope for today. I hope the same for you, dear friend.

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” - John 1:9

A blessed Advent season to you and those you love!

Shared by Sandy Diaz