Have A Little Faith in We

On Friday a few of my favorite social media folks were having people share a part of their love story using the theme “Hope in the Hard”. Reading them and finding words like “unexpected” “scary” “loss”…. for a time of year where the words are “romantic” “true love” “happily ever after” – it was helpful to see some words that may be a little more reflective of how real love actually can feel.

Recently I went to go see a priest. Finding comfort in doing “the next right thing” has helped me proceed forward: continuing to find joy and success at work, marvel at and cherish my little girl, and keep our life at home moving forward. But it was not necessarily helping my heart. As things for Danny remain murky on all fronts, it has felt that keeping the space for possibility was not only unrealistic (would I be the only one stupid enough to think the future of more life the way we wanted it could happen), but also unwise. I was prepared for the priest to say something similar about being strong and standing steady …. finding strength in facts and duty. But he actually talked a lot about hope.

There was a variety of things discussed and even a confession to help me clean out the junk weighing on my soul …. but the part that struck me the most was the idea of Hope. He encouraged me to remember that part of my role as wife and partner to believe anything is possible. To know God has Danny here for a reason. Of course he said to be careful, this does not exclude the reality of hard times, bumps in the road and a lot of the work that will have to be done to get to better…. but that it is possible. Believing in God as that power of possibility is hope and what God calls us to remember in all circumstances.

Suddenly seeing hope in the hard as a Valentine’s theme meant more than I would have guessed. It’s not just about appreciating the hard work real love and real life take ….. it’s the necessity to also keep the space for hope, especially in the hard. Probably the most romantic and loving thing you can do.

On this weekend where love is on display, if your feeling disheartened or lost in your relationships- romantic, family, friends- the best thing you can do is find ways to embrace for yourself and maybe share with the other person: HOPE! Seasons come and go … and what lies ahead is unknown, but I have been a little off in thinking it must be more practical… and in fact it is walking closer to God to walk in hope and power of possibility.

Wishing you all a lovely Valentines weekend, for wherever love finds you … may Hope also be there too.

Thank you so much for reading and remember to make it a great day!
Jackie