I have been reminded, or have reminded myself, that there is more to come in the future. More beginnings, more chances, more new opportunities.

It is tempting to see our present circumstances as our permanent future, but what if we have got it backwards? Turning away from the fear and dread of things going wrong, can we step into a mindset that expects things to go right?

My dad produces a calendar of photos of beautiful scenes from Donegal every year. Looking through this year’s, I felt sadness that I couldn’t ever be in those places because of my inability to walk to them. But hold on! ‘couldn’t ever’  is not right. ‘Not yet’ is better. To believe that circumstances can be worked around or even changed, is to live with hope. I much prefer to believe that goodness is there in my future, than to think unhappiness is all there is.

To live knowing that your story is not finished yet and believe that, even in the midst of struggles, light is still there to guide us through. The line has not been drawn, the book of your life is still open. Don’t believe that everything is speeding down hill. Look up and expect at least one mountain top blessing.

If the wise men (or women?) had just shrugged their shoulders and not followed the star to Bethlehem, who knows if Christmas as we know it, would have ever happened. If the shepherds had huddled closer to the fire, angels singing ‘Glory to God in the highest’ may have never been heard or seen. It is so easy to block out blessings, especially when we don’t believe we deserve them. You definitely do!

I’ll leave you with one of my favourite verses in the Bible. I am praying them for you,

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15v13)