There are shortages of everything these days with plenty of blame passed around for the reasons – COVID, crypto, Russia, etc. The only thing I know for sure is that there is no shortage of Hope; it’s infinite. Hope is also color blind; it doesn’t matter your age, gender, creed, nationality, or political party, everyone can have it. What people don’t realize, however, Hope is the twin sister of prayer without the religious cloak. Some people doubt prayer, but they still Hope even though they’re the same thing. That’s okay, like prayer, Hope doesn’t create miracles, but it coaxes you to take that next step to stay in the mix and envision yourself down the road. To make Hope real you need to actively pursue it; looking out the window like a big cat doesn’t cut it.
Although Hope is everywhere it gets used too much in impossible situations. When I played Little League baseball before every game I’d hope I’d hit a home run that day. It probably would have helped a little if I actually got put into the game first; it’s kinda hard to hit a home run sitting on the bench. Years later after December finals I hoped my nausea from drinking a quart of Black Velvet with the future Dr. Chris Smith would pass quickly enough to board the plane home. Unfortunately, that kind of hope didn’t even get close to making me feel better. Similarly, in business I’d have managers behind budget tell me, “we’re hoping for more volume this month.” Hope is not a good business strategy, just sayin’. In spite of these flaws, Hope can still bring good tidings if you combine it with action.
When you don’t Hope then you have actively given up – no more effort will be made on your part to make Hope a reality. Choosing to give up may make sense to you – it’s too much work, it’s too tiring, it’s too painful, it’s inconvenient. I get all of those things quite well; but when you stop hoping your curtains close quickly. Rather then give up, put your Hope to work. Instead of hoping you’ll be around long enough to see your son’s graduation spend more time with him now creating great college memories that include you. Instead of hoping you can afford that big family trip after retirement, skip the luxury vacation and spend more time with your family now. That’s a much better use of Hope. In my own case I’ve been hoping for permanent remission for nearly four decades. That hasn’t happened just yet, so I still get difficult medical treatment to keep me going. Trust me, just hoping would have been a lot easier, but my days would have ended a long time ago.
Christmas is the Season of Perpetual Hope, the Hope that being a better person makes the world a better place. New Year’s Eve, likewise, is our clean slate to erase last year’s lows and prod us to act on improving the world right in front of us. Hoping for that is easy; however, actually doing it is hard. With that in mind I’m wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with peace, joy, and renewed spirit to help convert your Hope into reality. Slainte!
Enjoyed your piece on hope. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thank you for reading – have a Happy New Year!
Pete, most definitely my new favorite!! This message was perfectly said to all. Hope and Pray you have a Blessed New Year! ❤️
Happy New Year to the Cooksey’s!
Peter, well said. What would we have without hope? Thanks for your inspiration and positive thoughts. We all appreciate it
Greg, have a great New Year! Pete
Thanks for another great post, Pete. Really love your insight. (Gotta love the Black Velvet, too!😛) Wishing you, Diane and your boys a Happy and Healthy 2023!!
Chris, I shield my eyes from Black Velvet when I pass it in the liquor store. Have a Happy New Year! Pete
Makes sense, and when you put it into the written word, it becomes clear and simple. Thank you for insight, it sure comes from bonafide experience.
Between the two of us we could fill a boat load with hope. Happy New Year!
You are always so eloquent in your writing Pete! Wishing you and Diane and and family a very happy new year! And of course I will take your advice with having hope☺️
Cathy, thanks for commenting. BTW, how much power do you need, a teaspoon or a cup?(per Doug Henderson James) Have a Happy New Year! Pete
Francis Bacon is credited with the quote “Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper.” I like Francis Bacon, but I don’t love this message. As our day comes to a close, why would our need for hope lessen?
All the best to you in ’23.
Hope and faith are always strong partners. We must have hope to allow us to move forward and faith to actually actually get the ball rolling! Happy new year and stay well!!!
Wow! Great post. May be my new favorite 🙏🏼 Happy and blessed New Year 🍀
All I can say Mr. Pete…is I really needed to hear this one. Happy 2023 my friend. ❤️🪳🍀
Peace and Prosperity for you in ‘23!
Hi Pete I’m often torn between Hope and Faith ( I teach 10 grade religion and pose that question to them) .
Happy New Year to you as well .
Go Irish
Jim, they always go hand in hand. Happy New Year! Pete
Pete, this is great and very true! Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Tom, all my best to you for the New Year. Pete