the gift of hope

I got a package a few days ago. Packages aren’t that unusual for me, because I order from Amazon fairly often (too often!), but every time a box shows up at the door, the kids are excited–especially Isaac, who always asks if it’s for him (unfortunately, it rarely is, which makes me think that I ought to mail something to him just because). This package, however, was unexpected, and it wasn’t from Amazon, so I was excited. And, it came while Teddie and the kids were out of town, so it was doubly nice to get a surprise when I was home alone with Haley (our dog).

I have had some health problems over the last year or so that have been a little challenging (well, truthfully, more than a little–but that’s for some other time). So my sister Jennifer sent me hope. This figurine, by artist Susan Lordi, was in the box. Those of you who frequent Hallmark and other gift shops will immediately recognize it as a Willow Tree piece; I’m a big fan of the Willow Tree figurines, having given and received a number as gifts, and I even bought one for myself several years ago.

I’ve got Little Boy Hope in my office at home, sitting on the shelves so that I can see him anytime I’m in my recliner, which is most of the time since this is my spot for reading, praying, writing, and working on my laptop. Because he’s in front of books, it’s hard for me to see the balloon and the word hope, but regardless, I know it’s there.

This strikes me as particularly appropriate; the challenge of hope is that rarely does it come in tangible form like this little guy. It’s rather elusive: we know hope exists, and we catch glimpses of it, but mostly we have to take it on faith.

But what I can see, all the time, are the arms open wide, the face turned up toward heaven. That, I think, is the attitude of hope.

Even better than the figurine, though, was the note with it. At the risk of embarrassing Jennifer, I’m going to reproduce it here:

Hey My Bubba!

When I saw this the other day I knew immediately I wanted you to have it. What a wonderful word “Hope” is!!

Hope in God does not disappoint Rom 5:5

Those who Hope in the Lord will renew their strength Isaiah 40:31

And of course the Hope Paul speaks of in Romans 8–the whole chapter!

It’s a beautiful word and a reminder of God’s love and work in us and through us.

I love you very much and know God will provide.

Your favorite sister.

Thank you, Jennifer, for sending the gift of hope!

Tagged as: hope