Renewed Hope
On a recent rainy morning, I was putting away the last of the holiday boxes of ornaments, when I found an old frame tucked away on a high shelf. I pulled at the frame to discover one of my pen and ink drawings of a gateway I had etched years ago. I looked more closely, and noticed that the frame and the glass could use a little cleaning. As I removed the drawing, I discovered that I had penned the following words on the back:
The whispering winds of silence are a treasure gift we must learn to embrace during different seasons of our walk of life.
The lighted path is a gateway to hope and newness.
As the steps lead to the openness of the endless sky,
may our hearts be filled with renewed hope in knowing that
Our Heavenly Father walks with us
to fill our hearts with love and blessings.
I finished cleaning the frame and replaced the mat with a new one. I placed it on the easel in my studio until I could find a place to display it. When I looked up, I caught a glimpse of the sun softly peeking through the gray blanket of winter clouds outside. This is one of my favorite times of year to go for a walk in southern California—just after a winter rain, when the air is crisp and fresh. There is a sense of peace that comforts the soul.
As I hiked, the fresh aroma of nature was invigorating. I turned a corner and the majestic snow-capped mountains appeared, dominating the valley to the East. I thought about the book I was reading. The author wrote about how one simple ray of sunlight can spark life in a plant buried deep within a thick brush of reeds to create a beautiful flower.
The ocean was endless and mighty. Most of the plants were gray brush, taking their winter nap. A few birds danced across the sky; the sea lions’ baritone chorus hung in the distance.
At the end of the path, in front of a 180 degree panorama of coast line, I inhaled deeply. I looked around me at the scenery and noticed a small yellow flower peeking through a thick gray layer of brush. I have just walked into the story I am reading. I reflected upon the author’s thoughts: God’s light outshines all darkness and creates beauty through all circumstances and in all things.
When I arrived home, I immediately went to my art cabinet and retrieved my box of quills and ink. Tucked in the back, I dusted it off and opened it as though I was discovering treasure. On a handmade pad of delicate paper from my travels to China, I began to sketch the flowers I had discovered on my hike. I could feel my heart being renewed with hope. I was reminded that even during these gray days of winter, we can see the glimmer of light that gives us a sense of renewed hope.
Let’s all welcome in the New Year with a renewed perspective of everlasting hope. May we all take a deep breath, slow down, and spend time walking with God on our path of life.
He asks us to stop and look at the winter garden, for even when we are in this season of rest, there is hope. When we experience trials and heartache, God shows us that beauty lies ahead. His hope is always with us, blessing us forever.
“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)