If You had asked me for my opinion beforehand…  

I would have reminded You that it wasn’t part of the plan.

That at 40 years of living, I wasn’t as strong as I used to be.

That at 20 years of loving and growing, me and him had covered that ground.  

I would have reminded You that I didn’t have the time.

That between parenting and pastoring, my hands were plenty full.

I would have reminded You of some plans that I had made.

If You had asked.

But… You didn’t.

Because there’s something You knew that I didn’t have the vision to see.

And, that’s the thing about Hope…  

It comes unexpected.

And, when it emerges, it swells our expectations. 

It makes us stronger.

It has a way of soothing and healing everything in its path.

And in the midst of uncertainty, it casts its light on our faces and draws us in closer.

Hope gives us eyes to see what is really true.

As it reveals to us who You are and what You give…

Strength.

Joy.

Love.

You didn’t ask me beforehand…

Thankfully, You didn’t.

*Photo Credit: Stephanie Simpson of Simpson Portraits