I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

Ephesians 1:18

It’s already a little late in the day for my Monday post, so I’m going to rely on a few wonderful grandchild photos to get my point across and save time.

A recurring topic of recent conversation – especially in light of all the conflict and violence in this world, both domestic and international – has been “Hope and promise for the future.” A lot of people are asking, “What kind of a world are we preparing for our children and grandchildren to inherit?”

We are understandably concerned. The witness of history is that, time and again, humankind fails to value and honor peace. The story of humanity is a cautionary tale, yet the lessons seem to be lost on those who most need to learn them.

So this morning our friend Katherine came to visit Rebekah, and she had a photograph of this year’s confirmation class at WFPC. “This is why I am confident and optimistic about the future,” she said.

Then I looked at a video Andrew and Alicia sent from Bahrain, featuring our grandson Mr. T. sharing his wonderful smile and his precious voice; and I scanned our daughter Naomi’s Facebook page to see the most beautiful images of our Miami family.

Just look (below) at how Geoffrey looks up to and adores his sister, Beks!

I look at all this, and rather than being afraid for them and anxious about the future, I realize that this world is full with young, fresh generations full with light and love and optimism and belief, just brimming with promise.

If you are worried, and if you find yourself fearful or filled with doubt, them might I suggest spending more time with children – especially in the context of a faith community where the power of God’s love and the good news of Jesus provides context and life and energy and real hope, hope grounded in faithfulness.

Here are those weekend photos.

No wonder I believe! – DEREK