I’m not a hopeless romantic…

But I AM an addict of hope! Sometimes we get teased because we like to watch Joel Osteen. Some call him a prosperity minister. I don’t see that at all…I see him as a minister of HOPE. I think looking back through all my years I have found one common bond in every situation. I did indeed have hope when I had nothing else. I think everyone deserves hope. I think we need hope to encourage each other and gain the support and confidence to be our best and live our best life. Without hope why would we get up every morning?
I think we wake up every morning with the same hope we woke up with yesterday. It may not be for the same things but we place our feet on the floor hoping either today will be better than yesterday; that today is the day we get our break; that it is all going to work out; or that maybe today we get that front parking space at Wal-Mart…you know the one right by the cart return?
I have never been one to believe in the supernatural but I have one thing that I am pretty serious about and don’t really think I have ever shared with anyone. I believe every time I see a red cardinal I see God.
Why? I don’t know…but for several years now when I have been contemplating, usually out the kitchen window, low and behold a red cardinal flies across my vision plane. So, I have tested it…I have said at one point “OK Lord, if it’s you send me a cardinal…and hello, there he is!
SO you may say…“oh Melissa! That’s just like when you want a new car, suddenly you see that make car everywhere you look!!” Maybe, whatever, it makes me feel closer to Him and I feel hope instilled in my heart again.
I am at this very moment contemplating those various threads that keep commanding my attention. I HOPE I am making the right decisions, I HOPE it all works out like we have planned and prepared for, I HOPE I am being smart! I HOPE my Dad is going to be okay. I HOPE Owen picks up the pace, I HOPE Baylor is going to happy with his birthday present. I HOPE I am taking the right opportunities and avoiding the wrong ones. I HOPE I don’t come across as bossy or knowing too much. I HOPE people listen to the radio tomorrow. I HOPE Halloween costumes come in on time. I HOPE I can get it all done.
One of my favorite shows is “Parenthood”. The season opener shows Zeek and Camille working out their marriage since their split last season. Zeek’s response to her as learned in therapy is to say” I see you, I hear you”. It shows Camille he is listening to her. How many of just want to be heard and seen? I know I do!
I think I enjoy that most about my relationships with my girlfriends and family. I love to speak hope over them. I love to see them pursue their dreams and encouraging them on is something to witness.
Sometimes my husband gets annoyed when I’m on the computer or texting. Even though I am nodding my head and acting attentive I’m not listening to a single word. I am too involved in what I’m doing. Not respectful of his feelings much is it? I am trying to work on it more. Working to spend more time with those I love and less worry about what I hope works out or what I can‘t control. If it is in God’s hands truly then it will work out if it is to work out. My future will be whatever it is to be, right? I have a purpose and have been fortunate thus far by having faith. OH LOOK! There’s a cardinal!!
Thank you Lord, I get it! I see you and I hear you!