We’re hardwired for hope. And this keeps us eagerly looking for every possible sign that the object of our hope will soon arrive. And disappointment quickly follows, with despair knocking at the door, when the sign turns out to be false. It’s tempting to give up looking to protect our hearts from more disappointment. But this would require us to give up hope itself. We must learn to bring courage and patience to our watching and waiting.
For instance, the couple falling in love, trying to conceive, or waiting for their baby to be born all bring a keen eye to their situation – watching for every sign that the desires of their heart are becoming a reality. And the same can be true as we look for desired opportunities at work or simply the success of our next project. However it comes, we look with an eager anticipation for the things we hope for.
And, to be sure, we hope for what we don’t yet have. And so we look for signs to reassure our souls we’re still on the way and getting closer. But in our zeal we can start seeing signs where none exist – merely a mirage, an illusion of water in the desert of our desires. And naturally we’re disappointed in these moments. But this is not itself a sign that we should give up hope.
Much of the spiritual life is to be exercised by our longing – to have our souls expanded by the desires we don’t yet have. And looking for signs can be seen as an expression of our faith – a willingness to keep trusting God despite our momentary disappointments. Of course, this doesn’t eliminate our grief, but it does open the door for a transcendent hope.
In the end, keep looking for the signs that what you hope for will soon arrive. This is not futile, but an exercise in faith.
Photo by mostafa meraji on Unsplash
