July 9, 2020 From Hope to Hope - Father Michael's Words to Live By

“...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 faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

Greetings!  Father Michael here with today’s “Words to Live By.”  I trust you are doing well and that you are hopeful in these difficult times.  I also pray that you have sensed the Lord’s presence on life’s journey today. 

Samuel Johnson said: “The natural flights of the human spirit are not from pleasure to pleasure, but from hope to hope.”

I recently read a story of an eight-year-old boy who was playing left field in a Little League game.  As he was standing out there in left field all by himself, a man yelled, “Hey son, who’s winning?”  The little boy replied, “We are!”  “What’s the score?” the man asked.  The little boy said, “They’re beating us 23-0.”  “You mean the other team is beating you 23-0?  Well, I’m confused.  I thought you said that you were winning.”  “Oh, we are,” said the little boy, “You see, we just ain’t come to bat yet!”  The little boy was right – hope is still a possibility and the game is not over until the last at bat.  

Hope springs eternal.  Thornton Wilder writes: “Hope is the projection of the imagination.  In response to hope the imagination is aroused to picture every possible issue, to try every door (whether open or closed), to fit together even the most difficult pieces of the puzzle of one’s life.   After the solution is found, it is difficult to recall the steps taken – so many of them had lain dormant just below the level of consciousness.”  

The good news is that God has created us to experience inspirational living – to live life to the fullest – to live in hope despite our circumstances.  When this becomes our attitude – an amazing transformation occurs – and our faith in action proves invaluable for all pilgrims on the road less traveled!  

Today, as we go our separate ways, hear the words of the prophet Isaiah: “...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 faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

I believe these are wonderful words for us to live by – today and always.  May it be so in your life and mine.  God bless you.