Cherishing Signs of Hope

This past weekend I tuned into the Royal Wedding on my IPhone, anticipating that I would just glimpse a few minutes of the pageantry and then start my projects for the day.  I tuned in at the time that Bishop Michael Curry was beginning his sermon.  I was immediately aware of the significance of an African American Preacher delivering the sermon in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

While I was vaguely aware of the build-up about the Royal Wedding, I hadn’t really paid much attention to the details.  I wasn’t even sure if I would tune in to coverage, but once I did, I stayed for the rest of the wedding service and beyond.  It was while I was watching the coverage that the significance of an English Prince marrying a divorced, bi-racial woman who openly identifies herself as a feminist began to sink in.

I quitely heard myself saying, “We’ve certainly come a long way.”  I found myself feeling  hopeful, as I watched members of the younger generation “speak out” about their love and ability to transcend the harsh, artificial boundaries of race and a host of other prejudices that seem to be swirling around us in this country currently.

The phrase “Time is on our side” came to mind, reminding me that some of the current and prominent voices in our country that are sowing hatred and prejudice probably only have a few more years in public life.  Hopefully, there will be a swell of young people like Harry and Meghan to replace the hate-spewing voices with a more enlightened, compassionate and inclusive view.  I think back to the analyses of President Obama’s election and how news story after news story pointed out the same things.  Young people in our country have grown up with much more diversity with many living in blended families.  As one Senator quoted in a recent book, “in my children’s view, being gay is like being left-handed.”  In other words, younger generations by and large are far more willing to accept different sexual preferences, gender identities, and racial hitories as a natural part of life.

After I began to appreciate the significance of this wedding on the world stage, I did more research on the backgrounds of the couple.  How very inspiring to hear their shared views and commitment to doing something good with their lives on behalf of others.  And based on their past accomplishments, there’s ample evidence that they are serious.

I also see it as progress on their acceptance of one another as “whole” people that are coming together to support one another going forward in their lives.  Ms. Markle’s  initial walk down the aisle by herself made a statement that  she is whole unto herself and that she doesn’t need a man or anyone else to complete her.  Instead she is choosing to partner with a man.  And on Harry’s side for him to acknowledge her career, and to be willing to work around her shooting schedule as they were getting to know one another is another sign of “partnering” versus trying to dominate another.

My point in this Blog is that there are moments and glimpses of hope in our lives, and we have to be vigilant about letting those moments and experience register.  For us to have the energy  to put into the work and dedication to continue to enrich and evolve our lives, we need to be nurtured by hope.   The  magnitude of this event made it easier to notice the gift of hope that became available to those of us who were open to receiving it.

Because I was able to notice this gift of hope, I also started thinking about all of the other signs of hope I encounter in my daily life.  Perhaps because they are not as dazzling as all of the elements of a Royal Wedding,  I pass over them without pausing to recognize their significance.   Hope presents itself to us in some very simple forms.

I can attest to my awareness of brief glimpses of hope – I’ll share some examples in a moment – but I am realizing as I’m writing this and thinking about my own practices, I don’t stop and give those moments the attention they deserve.  Generally these moments occur at times when I’m least expecting them.  Sometimes, when I’m walking something catches my eye for a moment and I find I burst out laughing.  The other day I saw a mother and young child walking in the rain; the little boy was trailing his mother by a few steps and proudly walking under his fully opened colorful umbrella.  I could tell how much he was enjoying making the connection between the role of his umbrella and the falling rain.  How little it can take to bring wonder and excitement when one is open to discovery!

Sometimes when I’m walking, I come upon an unexpected display of color; one of my favorite walks includes a house with a wide front yard adorned with a fence filled with hundreds of blue morning glories by midsummer…what a spectacular view of beauty that reminds me of the many simple gifts that we are given in this life.

Watching people in all walks of life embracing their work and diligently performing their tasks in order to make sure that I and others receive the quality service and care that their roles can provide.  I take a moment to appreciate this level of commitment and dedication  and I remind myself that despite some of the spiteful language embraced by some leaders in our country, most people are kind and caring in their interactions with others.

Going forward in the next few days, I’m going to concentrate on watching for signs of hope, and I’m going to note those signs in my journal so that I really take them in.  I’m reminded of Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Hope is the Thing with Feathers:

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land,

And on the strangest sea;

Yet, never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.