Words of Hope
In my morning quiet time, sitting on the chaise lounge on the couch, I noticed the positive messages I have strategically placed around my home. Realizing that wooden plaque messages are getting greatly overdone these days, I am still somehow inspired by some of my choices. The ones I have picked are the essence of what will help move me forward on this journey of life; especially life beyond grief.
Take the message that hangs on the wall at the bottom of the stairs: “Let whatever you do today be enough.” Or, hanging above the thermostat, “Today is a good day for a good day.” Both are gifts from loving friends and family who know me well. After all, I really do try to approach each day with the idea that I will have given my all, and that it will be received well.
It’s my daily quiet time that I realize in my hand, warming me from the morning chill, is the mug with the message, “I run on coffee and grace.” Wow! How awesome it is to realize that God’s grace sustains and moves me forward (with the help of coffee!)
Contrasting messages on the shelf beside me reads, “Today is a perfect day to start living your dreams,” and “Life happens, wine helps.” Tongue and cheek, yes, and so very true for someone who has had to redefine her dreams.
Still, these messages are somewhat clique’. And, although they are not quite profound, in they still represent the way I navigate the challenges of life and the joys in their midst.
You see, these last 4 years it has been these constant quotes in strategic places that have helped me remember that life goes on. Even in the midst of grief, I am waking up, going to work, hanging out with friends, and sorting out a new single life, while searching for new love.
The beast that is grief has a way of placing a grey cloud over life. In the throes of grief, the sun rarely shines. Even the clever wooden words of wisdom fade in importance when the heart is wracked with grief.
So what is a person to do? What did I do, you might ask? I turned to, and still turn to the Light of God that is revealed through prayer and in the words of scripture. There are so many positive and inspiring words in the Bible that guide me like no other expressions are able to do.
One such message in my home is, “Let all you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) And, Jeremiah 29:1, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
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