One common thread of my thoughts this week was Hope. What a happy week: Call it Easter. Call it the Passover. Call it Spring Break. Call it pay day. Call it new shoes and a healed toe. Call it General Conference weekend. Call it what I will, hope has been the thread through it all.
First. One of my favorite Easter pictures:
First. One of my favorite Easter pictures:
Hope
by Liz Lemon Swindle
John and Peter, upon hearing of the empty tomb, raced to the garden that Easter morning. The part I like best? That John never calls himself by name in his book, but he makes certain to record: “Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter and came first to the sepulchre.” (John 20:3-4)
Oh ho. I just love that. The two apostles having a foot race and telling us he won. I’m sure there is more significance to the story, but even on a simple note the inclusion of such details makes me happy.
Oh ho. I just love that. The two apostles having a foot race and telling us he won. I’m sure there is more significance to the story, but even on a simple note the inclusion of such details makes me happy.
Second. I’ve been re-reading two books this week The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe, and Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Both have sobering subject matter, but I can’t deny the hope I’ve felt studying them . . . despite the unraveling of our society.
Third. Last night on TV we watched a program hosted by Sarah Palin on everyday American heroes. My goodness so many people are resilient and generous. It was a refreshing program about making a difference—giving others hope. After the segment about a soldier who died in Iraq, Grace quietly retreated to her bedroom so Calvin and I joined her. We had a most wonderful . . . and hopeful conversation.
Finally, this video. It’s a party of hope. I dare you not to feel happy . . . and hopeful . . . by the end of it.
9 comments:
I don't know how I stayed entertained for all 4 minutes and something seconds of that video, but I did! and feel much happier now! Thanks Mamma!
We discussed hope in our Sunday School class last week. We're in a Preach My Gospel class, so the subject matter came from that book. Chapter 6 has a great, short little bit to read and ponder on several Christlike attributes.
It's been a difficult week this week, and at one point I told Chris that I felt "hopeless." (What an awful state to be in.) I told him I had hope in the big picture, but I needed hope in tomorrow and the rest of the week, and month, and years. Thankfully, I've been blessed with some extra hope and with a dose of extra optimism (one of the characteristics of hope). What a sweet blessing.
I found myself smiling all dopey-like throughout that fantastic video! I agree, how can you NOT smile and have hope after watching that...
Thanks for the reminders of hope today. I needed it.
(I've been following your blog for basically forever now [okay, so maybe the last year or so]. Your style speaks to me in a profound way. Today was no exception. Thank you for that.)
What a very sweet comment Katles, and well said.
I had seen this video some time ago, before he got popular, apparently, and people started dancing with him. You're right, you can't help but smile! He might be one of the "three" people to invite to dinner. Happy Easter, Jane! and Calvin and Grace, too.
BRENDA
Thanks Jane. I needed some hope today.
Hope and happiness should go hand in hand. Thanks for reminding me to always look for both.
That video made me smile! What a great way to start the day!! Thanks
That is a very happy video, I had forgotten about that one. I especially liked the parts where he was dancing next to the very serious Korean officer, and when he had to stop dancing because he was so entertained by the kids.
Hope is a wonderful gift, and one we all need.
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