“Naturally, when we are up against a difficult situation we hope it will end. We hope we or our friends or family will recover from the illness, that the world situation will improve, that business will get better. But we must be prepared to fall back on a greater hope: that no matter how things work out there is a Reality behind it all in which hope can truly be grounded.” This quote about hope is from Jungian analyst and author John A. Sanford’s book The Strange Trial of Mr. Hyde.
I chose the theme of hope for my blog because having hope is essential, especially during those times when answers aren’t clear. There are times when things go along smoothly, we carry out our day-to-day routines, and we have enjoyable times with people we care about. But at other times we are faced with challenges which require us to try to discern how best to approach them. Life’s challenges vary in level of seriousness, in what and whom they affect, and in the degree to which we have control over resolving them.
Especially during those times when we have little or no control over the outcome of a situation, such as when something emotionally painful happens and we’re in the midst of experiencing that pain, we need to put our hope in the Creator. As Sanford puts it, we need “to fall back on a greater hope.” As mere human beings, we cannot know the Creator’s plan for how and why certain things happen, but having trust in that Reality will help us through those difficult times.
I’m thankful for the gift of faith, but I know it can be tested. As much as part of me doesn’t want to have to experience distressing and sorrowful things, trusting that the Creator knows far better than I helps me undergo life’s difficulties. I know from experience that the often quoted saying “This too shall pass” is true. And that our Creator is with us as we go through the dark times as well as when we once again step into the light.