Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words and never stops at all. ~Emily Dickinson
As we ring in the New Year I am reflecting on the idea of hope and hopefulness.
This world is one of great paradox.
Although my heart longs for wholeness, the fast-paced demands of daily life and the flurry of work reveals a need that is greater than humanly possible on any given day.
More and more, I recognize how my mind conjures up this illusion that if I peddle faster, work harder and longer, I will gain control over the chaos.
What a difficult challenge.
How does hope manifest?
In a flower sprouting up through the cracks in concrete, so strong and resilient is life’s yearning…
A new law in CA that requires pet shops to only sell animals who come from shelters.
Through the hands of volunteers who cleaned up trash in federal parks this weekend during the partial government shutdown.
Within a sense of belonging, human connection, intimacy, vulnerability; being seen at your worst and still loved…
In the eyes and joy of a grandmother holding her granddaughter for the first time.
In the image of a child accompanying her doll everywhere…
A good laugh during a stressful day
Kindness offered in a thousand small gestures of caring each day.
Seeing the Beauty in another human’s soul.
In contemplative prayer, listening beneath the stories of judgement to a deeper knowing of acceptance,
forgiveness,
peace
&
In becoming more generous of Spirit; more LOVING.
Liz Sorensen Wessel
Artwork by ~liz
Journal of Sacred Work 
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