Some days, the darkness is all I can see. At work, I am faced with unrealistic deadlines, and burdened by too many rules and regulations. I feel like I am being asked to run a marathon while carrying a heavy load, shackled to a ball and chain. All the while others are asking, “Why can’t you run faster?” I feel no hope. It feels like things will never be different, never be better, that it will be the same no matter where I go, wherever I work.
Into the darkness of our world, God’s light shines, in the form of a baby. Immanuel; God with us. I’m reminded that God is WITH me, in the middle of my struggles. I am not alone. God has also blessed me with a family where I can give and receive love. My greatest hope is for my children… that they will grow up knowing God loves them, and their parents love them, and they don’t have to do anything or be anything to earn that… that they can stay curious, think independently, be passionate, and have healthy friendships of mutual support and encouragement.
As I thought about my kids, I was reminded that I am also a precious child of God and God cares for me, and wants all this for me and more. I can dare to feel hope, and I don’t need to give up on myself and my dreams because God will never give up on me!