Hope Knows No Boundaries

I behind on blogging due to a busier than normal schedule. Normally, I would blog about leadership topics but with a heavy heart I chose to write about hope.  How many times do we take for granted each day that God has given us? I'm guilty of not being as appreciative as I should be as I suspect most of us are. The events of today and yesterday of the passing of two individuals in our communities is on the hearts and minds of many. We need to keep their families in our thoughts and prayers. Both of those individuals were close to my age, as I think that could have easily been me or someone very close to me in either situation. I made a special point today to tell those nearest and dearest to me that I love them not knowing what tomorrow holds for me or any of us for that matter. I purchased John Maxwell's new book last night, Sometimes You Win - Sometimes You Learn. It is fantastic and a must read. It was meant for me to read with the events of today. Things that are out of our control do steal our joy and hope and if we continue to dwell on it then our desire and drive to move forward is damaged. 

“Our yesterdays have a tendency to invade our todays with negativism, stealing our joy and hope. If we dwell on them too much, they threaten to rob us of our future. That’s why I like these words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Finish each day and be done with it…. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely.” "Hope always has a future. It leans forward with expectation. It desires to plan for tomorrow. And that opens us up to greater possibilities.” 

Excerpt From: John C. Maxwell. “Sometimes You Win--Sometimes You Learn.” Center Street, 2013-10-08. iBooks. 

“What does hope do for mankind?

Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.

Hope motivates when discouragement comes.

Hope energizes when the body is tired.

Hope sweetens when the bitterness bites.

Hope sings when all melodies are gone.

Hope believes when the evidence is limited.

Hope listens for answers when no one is talking.

Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.

Hope endures hardship when no one is caring.

Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.

Hope reaches for answers when no one is asking.

Hope presses toward victory when no one is encouraging.

Hope dares to give when no one is sharing.

Hope brings the victory when no one is winning.

In short, hope gives. It gives to us even when we have little or nothing left. It is one of the most precious things we have in life.”  

Excerpt From: John C. Maxwell. “Sometimes You Win--Sometimes You Learn.” Center Street, 2013-10-08. iBooks. 

We all have hope. The families and friends that are suffering loss of loved ones have hope. Those battling cancer have hope. Those experiencing a broken heart have hope. Those having a bad day at work or school have hope. Those starting a new job have hope. The list can be unlimited.  It doesn't matter the situation or the circumstances because Hope knows no boundaries. It is within us. It is within me. I hope this blog can give someone else hope that might otherwise not seek it or believe it. I hope to add value to one person through this post.