fleeting hope

do you ever feel like it's all over? like there is nothing left you can do? like any effort is futile?...

i know that there have been times in my life where i didn't know why i was even trying anymore. sometimes the fight is too much, and there is nothing we can do to stop what is coming. things happen that we have no control over, and the light of hope begins to fade and that's just for me. i have no idea what people who have real problems begin to feel this time of year.

i have no idea what it is like to not be able to buy your children christmas presents. i have no idea what it is like to spend the holidays on the streets. i have no idea what it feels like to spend christmas day alone without a single phone call. i have no idea what feels like when you think no one cares. unfortunately, we are too distracted by all the pretty lights, commercials for the lastest thing, and the vision of sugarplums dancing in our heads.

there is so much hurt at this time of year, but much of the time we are so focused on our christmas plays, hanging the lights, and shopping lists that many fall between the cracks. this time of year is supposed to be a time to remember that hope that came to us in christ, but, unfortunately, it gets lost in all the wrapping paper. this time of year is supposed to be one of peace and goodwill towards men, but, unfortunately, 30% off is grounds to trample another human being to death at the local wal-mart. this time of year is supposed to be a cheerful one for everyone, but, unfortunately, many spend it alone thinking no one cares.

it this time of year that so many are forgotten about...

that so many give up...

that so many loose hope...

we have the chance to make this time of year what it should be, even if only to few people. we have the obligation to see to it that people know we care, so they can know that christ cares. at this time of year we have a chance to bring the hope of christ to those who feel there is none left.

many feel like giving up...

many feel like it isn't worth it...

and we can show them that...

there is always hope.