Thread of Hope

Psalm 71:16-18
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
    I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
    and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
    do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
    your mighty acts to all who are to come.

My husband and I went out to eat the other day. When we walked in to the restaurant, the teenage workers greeted us with smiles and welcomes. They prepared our food with graciousness. I could tell that they enjoyed their jobs. I work at a college where I am surrounded by young people. Their hope for the future inspires me. When I talk with the students at work or meet those who serve in restaurants or take my money at the store, I’m reminded of the hope they hold for the future.

As a teen, that same hope filled my heart. I knew then that God loved me. Now I’m an adult who’s lived many years and seen a good deal of heartache, God still gives me that continued hope. He’s been with me through the struggles and I know he will remain with me as I age. He stays the same, no matter where I am. I’m thankful that the thread of hope from my youth follows me as the silver shines in my hair and my joints ache with age.