I hope, Lord.
My whole being[a] hopes,
and I wait for God’s promise.
My whole being waits for my Lord—
more than the night watch waits for morning;
yes, more than the night watch waits for morning!
(Psalm: 130:5-6)
I was so excited to take a walk-through of the Permanent Supportive Housing apartment building for Harbor House Crisis Shelters in Superior, WI and see all the renovations. This was a cumulation of vision, prayer, planning, developing and hope.
As I walked through, I recalled the first time I did this:
- The first-floor apartments needed so much work – new flooring, new kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and new electrical and plumbing.
- The second floor was much better, but still needed new kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
- The third floor needed paint, wall repairs, new windows and bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
- The basement was in rough shape, but could be repaired.
Overall, the possibilities were endless - with enough support and vision!
Most people would have said, “Nope, that is way too much work,“ but I have always been the kind of person that sees the possibilities and my job was to help others see that as well. This project pushed it to the limit! The amazing thing is that I was able to see the work completed and my vision come to life!
In that moment, tears came to my eyes as I rejoiced in the faithfulness of God. As the renovation project nears completion, the next phase of “hope” begins as homeless families begin moving in and receiving services.
My “hope” is that Psalm 130 be offered as a prayer as our “whole being hopes.” Amen.
May this devotion provide you with a moment of faithful reflection and care. You are involved in ministries of justice and witness, in ministries of standing up and standing with people working to create better systems and communities, in ministries of learning and searching and researching to become more aware and awakened, more technologically savvy and proficient, more virtually and personally present in your churches and communities and world. Each of us who serve as members of your Wisconsin Cabinet write these devotions in grateful prayer for you – for sustenance and buoyancy, for strength and courage, for safety and just actions, and for faith and love to be full and fulfilled in your daily lives. God’s grace and blessings, God’s challenge and healthy discomfort, God’s Spirit and energy be with you, in the hope Christ offers us all.