On Hope...

A funny thing happened to me recently. Not funny ha ha, but funny in the way that teaches you a lesson and refocuses your priorities. Last fall I participated in a prayer shawl swap through Ravelry. My swap partner, Maria knitted me a beautiful shawl in my favorite color, red and it's brought me endless comfort. However she also sent me two other items that I would never have thought I needed, but I did. She sent me a book of psalms and a coffee mug. Now, the mug is what I want to talk to you about. I'm a big coffee drinker and almost every day I would grab my mug and pour myself a cup of joe. What's special about this mug you ask? Well, it has a quote from Psalms 62 5-6 printed on it. It's a quote about hope and it goes like this "Let all that I am wait quietly before God. For my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken". I can't begin to tell you how challenging this past year has been for me and my family. I try to be optimistic and not get easily discouraged but sometimes it's really hard. But, then I remember that things happen for a reason and that which does not kill you makes you stronger. I also remember all the great friends and family I have. I remember how they have offered their support, their shoulders to cry on and their ears to listen and I count myself so lucky. How did Maria know that I needed reminding of that? How did she know that I needed comforting. I believe that there are people who touch you, who are there in your life however briefly to remind you and to help you find your way. So, each day whenever I look down at my mug, it gives me comfort...it gives me hope for the future.