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Hope for the Future
by Jessica High I’ve now been writing for Christian Foundation Grants for over a year. However, this does not really mean much to me. True, it’s interesting to watch the development of social media, online fundraising, the economic situation, but eventually there comes a time to take a break. I decided to sit outside Panera today and enjoy the beautiful weather. Eventually, the same old office walls do get boring, and when the weather is 80 degrees, clear sky, and no humidity, you have to enjoy it. Funny thing is… I’m the only one outside. Inside, all the tables are packed. Cell phones keep ringing. iPhones, Blackberries, and any other communication device possible occupy each person’s attention. Fancy coffee-laced drinks and pastries help fuel the commotion inside. Outside though, there is so much going on that people are missing. The sparrows are having a competition with the chipmunks for scraps. Unfortunately, I have nothing for them since I’m still on the non-profit organization budget: water is it for me. I don’t mind it at all though. Outside is enough to keep me happy. The breeze playing with the thin branches of the apple tree makes me smile. Sunshine breaks through the branches in little flickering patches of light, keeping me just warm enough. You can’t help but feel a bit of happiness and hope. I feel like a little girl sitting outside in a pink and white polka-dotted sundress, but once again, I don’t mind at all. Sometimes, you just have to live, live simply. The things that make life worth living are simple things. The little persistent bird searching for crumbs. The smile from a stranger. The kind words from a friend, letting you know you are cared for. It’s about the hope of sunlight. The quiet pursuit of a dream. Why do these simple things matter? What makes them change life? Because they tie back to the three ideas to are important in life: faith, hope, and love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says “but now faith, hope, and love, abide these three: but the greatest of these is love.” Jesus provided the greatest model of this life. Unlike the religious leaders of that day, he was not caught up in all the rituals and laws. He lived simply, but He loved well. It was His purpose in life “to seek and to serve”. What about us? Can we live this way? Or are we still stuck inside, so unaware of the joy and hope awaiting us if we would just step forward? It takes a certain audacity to live this way. It’s easier to take care of our needs and hold on tight. Let’s not live that way though. God is a grand adventurer, master story-teller. We have to learn to see with those eyes—dare to live. Don’t lose sight of this in the weariness of the world. The original beauty of creation is still present. God is still sovereign and capable of providing. Just live. Just love. God is always good—I can feel it, even here outside in the sunlight. Back |
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