Cling to hope

I write today with a thankful heart, as I am curled up under a warm blanket across from a cozy woodstove. On a second rainy day off from school, thanks to Hurricane Sandy.

Hope. That's what many have been clinging to in the days leading up to this storm and even now as they face the repurcussions of it. I'm so very grateful that we only lost power for about 4 hours yesterday and were safely weathering the storm the entire time. God is so good!

Nevertheless, the storm is not what I want to dwell on right now. Yes, it's important to be thankful and trust me, I am, but God has been putting other thoughts upon my heart.

I read this wonderful quote recently and it's been on my mind ever since:

"Hope is an olive leaf- evidence of dry land after a flood. Proof to the dreamer that dreaming is worth the risk." -Max Lucado

Noah must've certainly clung to the hope that he wouldn't be stuck inside of the ark forever. He must've dreamed of the day when the dove he sent forth returned with an olive leaf. I too cling to hope. Hope that my dreams will come to fruition someday. Hope that those dreams will be worth the risk. Oh, I know this in my heart, but sometimes I doubt, just like Noah did, I am sure.

This verse has spoken volumes to me as well:

"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." -Romans 8:25

 I know that this verse refers to the hope of heaven and although I am indeed anxious for that sweet day, I can't help but think of this verse in other ways. Do I patiently wait for what I hope for? Or do I waste those valuable moments bemoaning my situation and wishing for things to be differently? Each day is a gift. I want to be a valuable steward of the days given to me and honor my Father for the gift of each one, even as I cling to hope.