Hope on the Horizon
A Reflection by Susanne Irving
I recently stayed with friends in Portballintrae, a coastal village in Northern Ireland. On one rainy day, I was watching the wind and waves from inside our cottage. I soon became aware that at any given moment there were both potential challenges and signs of hope—it all depended on where I put my focus and how I interpreted what I was seeing.
First, I noticed the steady fall of rain. We would get soaked if we went out right now, but the rain also kept the grass outside a luscious green.
Then I noticed the rocks being pounded by the waves. I imagined what it would be like to be in the icy sea, my head disappearing under water again and again. Yet I was aware that inside the cottage, all was calm. The storm could not touch me, a pictorial reminder of God’s loving presence amidst life’s challenges: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7
Soon the rain clouds were so low they seemed to swallow up both land and sea. I could see no further than the lamppost outside the cottage. I felt a nudge to keep my eyes on the post rather than on the fog. Ever so gradually, the cloud curtain was lifting. Soon I could even see an island on the far horizon.
Two days later, I was packing my suitcase, distracted by all there was still to do before my departure. When I finally looked out the window, I saw a rainbow on the horizon. God knows that I need to hear (and see) messages of hope more than once!
God’s message has accompanied me ever since:
“Focus on the horizon; do not be distracted by temporary turbulence.”
Did this reflection resonate with you?
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