glimmer of hope

Is the glass half full or half empty? Is there really a light at the end of the tunnel? Do you consider yourself to be a positive person, or a pessimistic one? Do you always expect the worst or do you try to stay positive through trying times?

I guess it's somewhat human nature to expect the worst. At least in some cases anyway. Expecting the worst in crossing the street would be a bad thing. You would expect to get hit by a car, even die. This of course is extreme thinking and you would never leave your house. But in some cases like trying to land a new job, something you may want very badly, expecting the worst is somewhat natural. Perhaps the competition is fierce and despite your fabulous resume you've got a one-in-something chance. In cases like these we sometimes prepare ourselves for the worst. It's our way of protecting ourselves from being hurt; emotionally, mentally, spiritually.

But I believe that we all have that glimmer of hope, somewhere. It may be small and well hidden, but it's there. That little voice that says I'm going to be wrong, this WILL work out after all.

Unfortunately, sometimes our fears come true and we do not get what we want. But, sometimes that glimmer prevails and we are pleasantly surprised with a positive outcome. In each case, it is God's will. I believe that every detail within our lives has been planned. It's our job to live out that plan. We are given challenges, bumps in the road, even huge mountains to climb. I guess the important part of life is learning how to deal with these challenges, as well as their outcomes, whether they be good or bad.

My Aunt recently wrote to me and a certain phrase really stood out; "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst". I found that to be extremely logical. Keep the glimmer of hope and remain positive. But prepare yourself with the possibility that what you want may not be what's best. Think and decide how you will handle the outcome. Be strong and think about how you will go on. Accept that sometimes things are out of our hands, beyond our control. Keep your faith and find peace in that God knows best. Everything happens for a reason.

After all, the glass is always half full. It may just take time to notice. ;-)

Special thanks to Aunt Tracy for your words of wisdom. :-)