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Good morning.Ìý

Over the course of the most recent lockdown, I decided to write a ‘Poem of Hope’ each week. I wanted to notice and chronicle what was happening outside my window and inside my soul.Ìý

Recently I’ve become aware of people using the word ‘hope’ more, and for a while I’ve been meditating on some words found in the Book of Romans:Ìý

‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’Ìý

Hope is more than the prospect of a vaccine or the dream of a holiday when all this is over. For me, real hope is not about circumstance, but a solid understanding of how God builds our faith as we get to know him. Real hope is not defined by events, but is rooted in the fearless relationship of trust between a good Father and child.Ìý

Hope feels light and joyful, regardless of what today might bring for any of us. As the long winter of 2020 to ‘21 slowly turns to spring, there is fresh hope for all, like the arrival of a friend at the window. Here’s one of the poems that offers a glimmer of how that feels.Ìý

A particle of light arrives at the window
Jostling and bouncing in off the street
Lands on the floor in a swaggering beamÌý

I'll get my coat, you've pulled.Ìý

So we head out into the
swirling
twirling
unfurling of the new season
In search of a good time.Ìý

I think I’m in love.Ìý

Thank you, Lord, that you arrive at unexpected moments to enthral and captivate us. Help us to see hope today. Amen.

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