“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” – Psalm 33:20
Waiting is often hard for many of us. Whether it’s waiting in a long line to make a purchase, for the bus or train to arrive, for the college of our choice to accept our child, or for a prospective employer to call with good news, or for impending test results. We wait in anticipation of a good or even great outcome or news. We wait, hoping that our request, our prayer, is answered, meeting our heart’s desires.
When the news is good, oh, how grateful we are and often act on that gratitude. We sing praises, some shout Hallelujahs, and some do something good in service for others. When it’s not the outcome we desired, we sigh, we wonder why, and sometimes we cry. Perhaps if we can take a moment to reflect and grasp “courageous hope,” we might see God at work. We might see it as an opportunity to stand once again on God’s promise to always be with us. And perhaps we can start anew with hope.
As Mary waited for the arrival of her promised child, what might have been her fears? Her world was in tumult; I’m sure, like us, she prayed with courageous hope for a better world. A world where her child would be safe. Yet, her child would bring promise of a better tomorrow for many. Her baby would impact her world, our world, bringing love and hope. As she stepped into her hopeful waiting with courage, she says, “Here I am, Lord.”
May we, like Mary & Joseph, stand in hopeful waiting knowing, through our faith, that the baby boy who became Jesus Christ does not disappoint us, but imparts hope for each day.
-Sandy Diaz
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