Disappointment is not just the other side of hope, it exists at the edge of hope. Where hope and disappointment meet there is tension. As long as we are hoping for something, we try to push disappointment away. When we are in a place of disappointment, we try to keep from hoping again. Consequently, hope is never fully experienced as hope, because we are expecting disappointment at the same time. Disappointment is never fully experienced as disappointment, because we're focused on our distrust in hope's promises.
Both hope and disappointment are part of human existence. The only way to avoid the deep swings between the two is to ease the tension between the boundary where they meet. Staying in the present moment is the most effective way of doing that. When you are experiencing the full force of disappointment, truly feel that disappointment without splitting your focus between the pain of disappointment and the blame you want to attach to hope for having failed you. Alternatively, when hope is wrapped around you with the sweetest grace, be aware of that moment without imagining that your hope will soon be dashed. Just feel hope when hope is present. Feel disappointment when disappointment is present, There in the space between the two is the peace and stillness of the Holy One.
I believe hope is truly a result of an "in the beginning" disappointment. Began on the last day, a day which wasn't suppose to be, in the garden of Eden. It entered when man was made to exit. We have a choice on whether to live with it or live without it. Living with it gives us a brighter understanding of God's destiny for our life; gives us the understanding of not to quit until we reach the prize of God's original design and intention for our lives. It is the only gift that can be given and shared with even the most destitute of all people and all circumstances. It allows our arms of faith to reach out and hold those who have lost their human value to a blind world of injustice, poverty, and failure. Hope is the adverb of faith...It is the parable answer to the uncertainty questions. It helps us accept the fact that our knowledge is limited to reasoning. Our reasoning spends time figuring things out; it may in fact allow our 11 day journey to last 40 years! Hope determines the length and strength of our journey...the sooner we let go of our own understanding, our own reasoning, the sooner we will gain the independence from ourselves...and the sooner we gain independence from ourselves, the sooner our dependance on God will come. Hope can get us there quicker...cause with hope, the victimized circumstances of our lives allows our lives to become "victors of Christ". Hope gives us the opportunity to realize and accept that we don't know all things, and God does.
Posted by: angie klinger 11/13/2008 7:07:01 AM
That is so true.. hard to do.. but very true...
Posted by: Helen 11/12/2008 7:17:01 PM
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