Hope Springs Eternal
It is officially spring (at least according to the calendar) and with spring little signs of hope within the world of nature seem to be everywhere. The buttercups have bloomed along with the beautiful pear trees and the ground is beginning to be covered once again with the bright green blades of grass. These are sure signs that no matter what is happening in our own personal lives or in the current economic picture, the cycles of nature will go on – no matter what!
As we so often turn to nature for comfort and answers in our lives, spring offers a wonderful opportunity for us to focus on and find signs of hope that can shore us up and keep us going during uncertain or difficult times. Emily Dickenson once wrote:
‘”Hope” is the thing with feathers – that perches in the soul- and sings the tune without the words – and never stops – at all.”
Did you know that according to Greek mythology, when Pandora opened Pandora’s Box she let out all the evils except one: hope. Apparently, the Greeks considered hope to be as dangerous as all the world’s evils. But without hope to accompany all their troubles, humanity was filled with despair. It was a great relief when Pandora revisited her box and let out hope as well
It is hard to imagine our world without hope—the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. For when one does lose hope, anxiety and depression can result and indeed sometimes our own will to live gives way. Whether we hope passively and wish for something to happen or we are active with our hope and plan a course of action— hope is eternal, everlasting and live giving.
What are you hoping for these days—a new job, a new love or perhaps just better days. Whatever you hope for, do not despair, know that it is on the way to you. All you have to do is look outside the window – signs of hope are everywhere. Today, allow yourself the luxury of taking a walk (even it if is just to the mailbox). On your way be intentional about identifying all of the signs of hope that nature provides. Play a game with yourself or engage a friend or your child to keep count of how many signs of hope you can identify. You may be surprised - at the very least you will feel better and perhaps a little more hopeful.
Celebrate spring and the eternal hope it provides. Be inspired by the words of Monroe Forester who reminds us that -“Hope is always available to us. When we feel defeated, we need only take a deep breath and say, “Yes,” and hope will reappear. Hope does spring eternal!
Tags: affirmation, hope, inspiration, wish