The Gift Of Hope

Image by Rebecca at Altared Spaces. When my brother was dying, Rebecca sent me this photo showing me she was burning a candle for my brother and she was breathing for me when I felt unable. I was grateful for this act of kindness as it filled my heart with hope.

Where do we find hope?

We feel it in the fingers outstretched to pick us up when we have fallen.

We see it in the smile of the homeless woman pushing her cart through the mist as the early morning sun warms her back.

We hear it in the whisper of wind as it curves its way through the tree limbs.

We taste it as the first snowflakes of winter melt against the heat of our tongues.

We smell it in the earthy aroma of cedar, pine, and moss as they caress one another in the forest.

The sight of flaming vigil candles provide comfort and release to those who care.

We share the glimmer of a child’s eyes as his bat meets the ball and sends it soaring through the air.

The outstretched lip of words escaping the soul turns to song and stirs our hearts.

Flesh that wipes away another’s tears absorbs the sadness and helps carry the load.

The sway of dance that moves one to action becomes a ripple in the pond.

An open palm of acceptance, a belonging, is priceless.

Hope felt is personal. Hope expressed has the potential to be global.

Hope of the heart is meant to be shared.

Give the gift of a kind word, smile, hug, or more. Be the ripple in the pond.

We’re each a part of the collective hope that spins the world one heartbeat at a time.

Information and guidelines can be found here.

It is true that as a general rule I do not accept awards. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the sentiment, but it is time consuming and selfishly I’d rather be writing or visiting other blogs and commenting. However, I am breaking my own rule. Judith at I Choose How I Will Spend The Rest Of My Life honored me with this nomination. Part of the acceptance is the nomination of another person. I am passing this along to Amy at Soul Dipper as she exemplifies the criteria of promoting hope, love, peace, equality, and unity for all people.

Living in the Gap

February 10, 2012 – Hope

In keeping with my blog theme today, I’m going to share a few moments where I saw hope in action today.

The sun peeks over the tree tops and illuminates the neighborhood.

Purple vinca blooms bend back and forth in the passing of a gentle breeze.

A two year old blows raspberries at his crying infant brother and enfolds him in his arms.

Another small child mouths incoherent (to my ears) words to her friend and smiles in an effort to join in play.

My dog wags her tail, salivates, and shifts her eyes from her feeding bowl to me and back again.

The phone rings, and alas it is NOT a telemarketer!

I receive a pleasant email that is NOT a forwarded message.

A flickering candle fills the air with the sweet scent of dune grass.

My chest rises and falls as I breathe in the day.