We've had a busy week, and I never found an inspiration for this post. I guess my brain is as tired as my body. No worries. We can just enjoy a few extra pics of Max and Murphy.
Have a wonderful day. Look for the gifts and count your blessings!
Are you watching The Count of Monte Cristo on PBS? Have you read the book? It's a challenging book because of its length and complexity. I enjoyed it very much. I am also enjoying the PBS miniseries. In the second episode Abbe Faria tells Edmond Dantes, "You must have hope. You cannot live without hope."
I couldn't help but think about The Shawshank Redemption because of the tunneling through the wall and the words about hope. The theme of revenge is strong in both stories also, but that's not what I'm interested in today. I wonder if maybe Stephen King was inspired by Alexandre Dumas' work. I have not read Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, but I've seen the movie a number of times as it is a favorite.
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." (Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption)
There are parts of The Shawshank Redemption that can be hard to watch so I really don't mind if I stumble into it near the end. Watching the warden discover the tunnel Andy has been digging for years, Red finding and reading the letter Andy buried at the base of a rock wall, and Red walking down the white sand beach toward Andy who is restoring a boat are among my favorite scenes. The movie leaves you with the feeling that friendship endures, justice is served, and hopes can become reality even in the midst of the most seemingly impossible circumstances.
As much as I like both stories and the theme of hope running through them, I like the story of hope in the Bible much more. How glad we can be that our hope is not based on things in this world but on the creator of it. We can be sure that He will fulfill His promises and so we can rest knowing we are secure in the Everlasting Arms.
Hope is a wonderful word. It is one that lightens burdens and gladdens hearts. Maybe we should spend some time today thinking about the unwavering hope we have in and through the Word of God.
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
1 Peter 1:3
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
This is Maundy Thursday. We think of The Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples and are reminded of the meaning of Holy Communion and the importance of service. Jesus took a towel and a basin of water and washed the feet of His disciples. Peter, good old Peter, was not going to have it. He couldn't imagine letting his Lord wash his feet, but when Jesus explained the need, Peter wanted to be washed from head to foot.
Jesus, being fully aware of what the next few hours and days would hold for Him and those who believed and loved Him, took the time to set a clear example of what it means to follow Him. He chose to follow His Father's Will and to serve those placed in His circle. Jesus had performed many acts of service through His ministry of teaching and healing, but when He was nearing His most magnificent act of service, He didn't seek out the crowds or the spotlight. Instead, He took a towel and a basin and washed the feet of those closest to Him.
We, too, are meant to follow the will of our Father in heaven and to serve others. Washing the dirty feet of His friends was not a glamorous act. It was a humble example of how we are to serve those with whom we live, those in our family, and those friends in our inner circle.
Yes, we must take advantage of opportunities to serve others in all kinds of circumstances. Certainly, helping those in need, whether we know them or not, is part of our duty as Christians. We should give to the poor and offer help whenever and wherever we are able. Today, though, let's think of ways we can serve those closest to us without expecting accolades or even appreciation. We serve others not to glean praise for ourselves but to honor and praise our Lord and Savior.
As Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday come and go may we look for new ways to serve, praise, and worship our Savior.
He is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!