The Hope

Here we are, Christmas time, 2016, the end of what has, for many of us, been the worst dumpster fire of a year in recent memory.

And we’re not feeling it. We’re not feeling “Christmas-y”. Oh, we put our tree up, and our nativity set, and we turn on the radio as we drive to Wal-Mart and listen to the songs and carols as we jostle for a parking spot…. but it’s like we’re rehearsing a play – we’re just not ‘living’ it this year.

We just want the dumpster fire to go out. Yet we’re surrounded by those that want to fan the flames higher. We want, in so many respects, to “just have a nice Christmas”, a chance to forget the world’s BS, yet we might even have family gathered around our turkey dinner that just want to ruin the whole thing with talk of politics and racism and hatred.

But guess what? We’re still here! Well, most of us anyway, but you, dear reader, are here.

And guess what? That should give you hope.

Hope for the new year, hope for the future. Hope that you have a reason, a purpose, a need, a mission.

Now don’t get me wrong, I ‘m not saying “everything happens for a reason” or “we all have a divine purpose” (though we might, that’s a discussion for another time), I’m just saying that we have an opportunity to act, do work, to pray, to live and love and laugh.

Where is your hope found? To some, it’s in the sacred. In their own sacred, in a song or a work of art, or a place – a church or other gathering place. To some, it’s in quiet and solitude, gathering their strength for time with family and work-mates. To still others, it’s in the hearts and working hands of those that are woking, helping.  And to some of us, it’s in being the one that is working and helping.

Wherever your hope is found, if you don’t have it right now, seek it. Find it. Even in these scary uncertain times, it’s there. Waiting for you.

And if you still can’t find it, call me. Message me, Tweet at me. Send up smoke signals. Send an owl. Or a carrier pigeon. I’m here. I will help. That is my hope. That is my mission. To be here. To give you hope.

Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Joyous Solstice. A most festive Yule. Peace to you, friend.