[Monday's Devotional] - Hope...

Hope....

I expect we have all been looking back over the last year, pondering over what might have turned out better and also those things that made us smile, and wondering (and hoping) that this new year will be an improvement on the last one.

For some, it’s the thought that last year is one to forget and that this year is bound to be a better one, for others it’s a hope that things really are improving even though we may still have a bit of a struggle.

The final day of last year I went into town, even though it was raining, for a couple of things including a new calendar which I picked up in WH Smith.  As I got to the cash desk I saw the assistant was gazing through the glass door at something. I followed her gaze but saw nothing in particular. Then she turned, saw me, and apologised for not being aware of me.  I asked what she was looking at, and she pointed out a man who was sitting on the pavement by the doorway to the Clock Towers.  She said she saw him around quite regularly and wondered why he didn’t go and sit inside the building as it would be drier and warmer.  I suggested that the security men would probably make him leave, he would not be welcome.  We agreed it was sad, I paid for my purchase and left.

I have no idea who the man was, or why he was in his present situation – whatever that was.  I hurried away with my purchases and returned home – but wondered if there was something I could have done to help.  I may never know, but there were no Samaritans around that day as far as I know.

Perhaps the man had little expectation of things getting better, only hope kept him going. So could we all reach out just a little bit more this year and maybe the man’s hope might begin to be a reality?

Lord, give us the willingness, strength and courage to reach out to those in greater need than ourselves and keep their hope alive. Amen.

Jim Finch