Hope Or Despair

Times are tough. People suffer through these tough times. The economy forces us to change our ways. Change in and of itself is difficult. We worry about the future. We ask ourselves if we are doing enough to prepare. We feel scared and depressed. Should we run and hide? The answer is a resounding no. My wife has shown me that hope is the best option for handling adversity.

It serves no good purpose to think negatively. Part of our lifestyle must change or be eliminated. There are still some things that can bring us happiness. We need to remember them. We need, especially now, to hold on to that which bring our lives meaning. All is not lost.

I have been focusing far too much on an unknown future. I have stopped making time for that which fulfills me. Christine explained to me a simple truth. Hope for the future feels better than despair for the present. I can be miserable and do nothing constructive. I can also do things which may lead to better times. The choice is mine to make.

Let me offer a specific example. I need a job. I need to bring in money to help our finances. I can be despondent and give up. I can assume that any activity is pointless. I will not, under these circumstances, make any effort to seek employment. There is a better option. I can hope that through my efforts of mailing resumes I may yet be hired somewhere.

In the first scenario I most certainly will never be successful. No one will knock on my door and offer me a paycheck. In the second I may very well find what I have been looking for. In order to do this I must have hope. I must continue searching and looking towards a brighter future. One path is dark and lonely while the other offers light as I travel.

Do what you need to prepare. Make the tough choices. Please, whatever you do, do not forget to engage in that which has brought your life meaning. To seek a better tomorrow is not a Pollyanna type of attitude. It is realistic to think that your circumstances will improve. Doing and thinking positive things can only have positive results. Be strong. Be brave. Take the first step toward that blessed light in the distance. The journey is not as far as you think.