Rock Lily Place Hearts Notes April 2025

Hope. What do I know about Hope?

With all the rapid changes happening in our world it feels like we’re in a tailspin and waiting for it to slow down so we can get off. And wonder what the heck happened. So, I wanted to write something that would gift you with reassurance and calm.

I recently looked out my kitchen window and saw the first buds on my neighbor’s tree, and thought “Already?” I was surprised and pleased to see this. The buds are a reminder of Spring and what that means to me. We get to try again but also a promise fulfilled. The divine’s promise that we are not lost or denied. That Hope is always here. Within.

Hope for me is something that is innate. It’s a knowing that I am fully supported and what is meant to be is meant to be. There is a plan that does not always make sense to me, but I know it’s for my best. I have been known to toddler at this point but once I’m over it, the plan is set in motion, again. And I’m pleasantly and humbly surprised at the outcome.

Hope is many things for me: letting go, allowing, what’s mine is mine, and just plain faith. The world does not make sense right now. And at times it is very scary. Hope reassures me that this current plan must play out and if I truly live in my faith, I am fully supported, and I am okay. I don’t believe that it makes me a Pollyanna or that I’m sticking my head in the sand. Hope is my guide and reassurance that I will make it to the other side. That we will make it to the other side. And we will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome for all.

Padre Pio’s prayer for hope offers a simplistic perspective of my belief of hope. I love that’s it straight to the point yet loving.

“_Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”_

The hope is examined as being active in trusting God’s goodness and His plans for us. It’s not in the waiting we find solace; it’s the active participation in Hope.

I also wanted to offer a prayer that came about during COVID. The darkness was palpable at that time, and I wanted to lighten the Thanksgiving holiday for my family. So beyond the offering of food, sweets, and board games that would be played later, I asked my Team to help me come up with a grace to prayed at the beginning of our meal. I thought this may be an offering for the Easter holiday where I’m sure gatherings and meal sharing will be had.

Dear God, We give thanks and gratitude for all that was given to each of us this year; opportunity to learn and grow, to know our truth and live that truth. Thank you for family, friends and all that is to come our way in the new year; abundance, friendship, laughter, health, and grace.

Angel of Hope,

As we gather one or more, place Hope in each of our hearts, for ourselves, family, community, and nation. Let us see that all is not lost. Allow us to Know Hope will carry us through. And so shall it be. Amen.