The shape of #hope comes in many forms.  When we feel frustrated or hopeless because something we want or had hoped for did not come to fruition then it might help to #reflect and step back for some #perspective. Let me share a story. I have a box labelled ‘Thank you Pops’. I sometimes place a note to show my gratitude for special events. Here is a note I placed about the birth of Oscar .  Those who know me knew that I had paid a deposit for a German Shepherd puppy having found a breeder in Windsor. However, the Prime Minister announced a lockdown in February 2021 so I could not drive to bring this  puppy home.  I was gutted and relieved at the same time, as deep down I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing. I also felt God does not think I can do this so I totally gave up on looking for a German Shepherd pup.  Fast forward to May 2021, my friend was walking in a park where she saw a pregnant German Shepherd with her owner.  This led to the real Oscar coming home.

 

Now you may ask why am I sharing this story with you. Often we experience a disappointment in life, say you want a job, or a promotion, and you have a set back. In that moment it is hard to see what happened was for the best but 9 out of 10 times, when things do not turn out as we would wish, it is only when we step back and look back, we see that may be it was for the best. 

I have heard the saying God’s delays are not God’s denials. Looking at the first chit and then the new chit, I felt #hopeful and #grateful as in the end the gift of the real Oscar was meant to be. The real Oscar came thanks to my friend and I did not have to travel to Windsor as he was born in my city of birth, Bradford. This fella was meant to be part of my family. So, when you have a setback,  remind yourself everything happens just at the right moment, not a moment sooner or later. It is only when we look back we realise wow, that was how it had to happen. 

Peace be with you. Here is a photograph of my beautiful Oscar who is about to turn 2 years old. 

©DMP

2nd May 2023