Rejoice in Hope

TODAY: To your prayers this week, add two lines. The first to thank God for the gift of children — the rewards they bring, the energy they add, the sounds they create and even the challenges they present. And the second to thank God for parents — the hope, the patience and the perseverence they provide.

“Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in
hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.”

I read this passage and felt it was a wonderful job description of parenting! Regardless of how tired we may be or how we are feeling, our children need us to be positive and supportive of them. We rejoice in their successes, support them through their difficult experiences and help them persevere through our love, guidance and prayers.

Likewise, God cares for us the same way: through patience, hope and perseverance. This year I have focused on developing a more intimate relationship with God through prayer. I have learned that God answers prayers in unexpected ways and in surprisingly direct ways. God’s plan for us is not always our plan for ourselves. Like children, we need to stay open and trust God’s plan. God is always there, patiently waiting for us to come and talk, willing to support us through difficult times and rejoice with us in our accomplishments.

— Cathy Burton