Generally, I find joy most days and peaceful situations such as while reading lovely verses, listening to calming music, or viewing beautiful scenes such as of sunsets, bodies of water, or happy groups of people enjoying life. It is important for me to “give back” to others who may not have “peace” in their life at the moment. In other words I look outside of myself to try to help others who are suffering or worried. Helping other people helps me. It is one source of gratitude.

I have a dear friend whose grandson is in the military, driving a tank daily in a war. I try to send uplifting messages of love and hope, calm and beauty to her as her family situation is so unlike my own. Similarly, I value the trust strangers place in me when they are facing life threatening illnesses, and they are afraid and reaching out for little messages of “hope”. What an honor to be considered useful to others reaching out to calm their deeper fears.

When I communicate with individuals who gift me with their inquiries, I look to other authors for deeper understandings.This morning I looked for explanations and characteristics of “hope”. What is it? Where does it come from? How does it play a role in each of our lives? I think the post by Shauna W., 4 Characteristics of Hope, gives us some important guidance.https://learningfreeblog.com/2020/07/06/4-characteristics-of-hope/

Let’s consider the aspects from which hope is drawn which differ from those for joy and peace:

• Hope implies a future event or feeling.
• Hope and waiting are connected.
• Hope is derived from faith.

It seems that “joy” and “peace” are more fleeting or momentary, whereas “hope” is not. When you are afraid or lonely or unhappy, the solution for such seems like it needs to be immediate. Sometimes the pain or despair is overwhelming to bear. We want to be hopeful.. We want to believe it will get better. We wish to end the fear. But, the exact “hope” we are searching for takes time. This is so important for us to realize and reflect upon.

Hope comes in our futures. Hope appears if we wait a bit for it. Hope springs from our faith within. Hope is a more complex and deeper emotion for us. Note in the article by Shauna W. above she tells us:

no one hopes for what they already have. It’s the time between realizing what we need, and our receiving of it, that we must confidently expect. Hope sits between.

In brief, please understand that one must continue to seek joyful moments in your life, and peaceful activities when you are feeling afraid and alone. But, know confidently that “hope” is coming to you soon. Hope follows joy and peace.

What an important lesson to learn: hope requires patience, waiting, anticipation, and faith. But, oh the joy that comes when “hope” is restored! Some say that “hope overflows”. May you all experience an abundant outpouring of hope in your life soon.