Choosing Hope

As I watched the Today Show this week a Breast Cancer Survivor was speaking about Hope. She said, “You have to believe that you will overcome it, there may not be a cure for Cancer, but there also isn’t a cure for the Common Cold.” I know, I know, thousands of people don’t die every year from the Common Cold, but what I took away from her statement was optimism, a positive “live in the now” attitude of Hope. She wasn’t bitter or angry or uncertain.

Many of us will never face something as serious as a life-threatening illness, yet in our daily lives we don’t live with a fraction of the optimism that this Cancer Survivor is living with. Doubt, anger, criticism, jealousy, & fear, these are the emotions dominating our daily existence. 

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but what I do know is WHO will bring my tomorrow. In our daily readings in Jesus Calling we have heard a common theme the past few weeks about living in the here and now. Sometimes we are so focused on what tomorrow will bring that we forget to relish in the beauty of today. 

I know as a mom that my children have grown into adults and teenagers in the mere blink of an eye. Sometimes this has me so sad, I miss their little fingers wrapped around mine, the smell of their fresh little baby lotion scented cheeks, middle of the night breast-feeding in the quiet stillness staring intently at their perfect little face. These were great times, but right now is pretty great too! Somedays it’s an unexpected call from our 17 year old who wants to have lunch, a middle of the day “I love You <3 text from our 16 year old, or a random “Mom, have I told you lately how awesome you are?!?” from our 10 year old as we drive home from school. 

I could sit and cry for days at how quickly they have grown into their own beings and how the dynamics of our family are transforming constantly but instead, I choose to marvel at how beautifully God has shaped them. Each new phase of life brings with it joys, lessons, hurts and accomplishments. As you raise your family it isn’t just your children that are growing and learning, but you as well. 

Early on in my journey as a mom, I was paralyzed with fear. Each time one of them stepped out into the world it was as if my heart stopped beating. The “what ifs” flooded my mind and made it impossible for me to see how awesome our world was. Now, as they are older and often on their own to make choices, I see how strong their faith is and how Christ is the center of their lives. What I have discovered over time is that no matter what the world has to offer, God has equipped us with the strength, the faith and the love to not only survive, but to thrive. 

Tragedy and severe illness may present themselves in our lives, we can’t control this. What we CAN control is how we handle it. Each day is a glorious gift from God and raising our children to accept and not fear the unknown and the hardships that may come our way is a powerful life lesson in faith and hope. It is time for us to focus on the positive and the blessings in our lives and trust that we WILL overcome all else. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,  kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice,  although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials; 1 Peter 1:3-6

I am grateful for each day and each gift God has brought my way. I am grateful for the Hope He has instilled in my heart. The hope that someday, I will live in His Kingdom for the rest of time. 

Blessings!

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Articles by Traci Runge

Traci Runge

Traci was born and raised in San Diego and has called Kearney, Nebraska home for the past 18 years. She is married to Darby Runge and together they have 6 children. They own and operate Pro-Tint, a window tinting business. Along with being a full-time mom, Traci is also a Manager and Certified Trainer with SendOutCards, she works with businesses and individuals to build relationships and grow their income through Relationship Marketing. Traci works hard to balance her roles of mother, wife and business owner. She strives to help make the world a better place through kindness and love and leading by example. Traci is committed to her family, church and community and can often be found volunteering in some capacity. www.sendoutcards.com/tracirunge