He stood still, watching intently. His eyes never strayed from my hand as I conveyed popcorn to my mouth a kernel at a time. Even as I finished and put the bowl away, he continued to watch, ever hopeful that I might share some with him. This is quite characteristic of Beacon, our daughter’s goldendoodle dog.

Beacon receives regular, adequate dog food morning and evening, but he lives in hope of something more. He is required to stay away from the table at mealtimes, but this does not dim his hope. He is ever alert for any dropped crumb or any weakening of the rule that might allow him to rest his chin on the table.

Whenever anyone is in the kitchen, Beacon is sure to be there; a large, hairy obstacle in the middle of the floor, his pleading eyes following every move.

I wonder how many of us live in hope. The Hope, that is, of Christ’s blessings in our life. Yes, He regularly supplies our every need. But do we expect more? Do we expect abundant blessings that we will not have room to receive? Do our pleading hearts and fervent prayers invite His overflowing blessings of healing, of power, of opportunity to share the Good News with others? May this hope fill your life today, this week, this month—until He comes! May you enthusiastically share this hope with others.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

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