A university freshman was about to have her first blind date.  Her roommate was making all the arrangements, and asked whether she preferred southern boys or northern boys.  A midwesterner, she was innocently unaware of such subtle distinctions and asked what the difference was.  Her worldy roommate answered, "Southern boys are more romantic.  They will take you walking in the moonlight and whisper sweet nothings in your ear.  Northern boys are more active.  They like to go places and do exciting things."  The girl pondered the contrast and then asked wistfully, "Could you find me a southern boy from as far north as possible?"  In the long state of Florida, that probably means Jacksonville! 

The story suggests our lack of decisiveness, our desire to have everything the way we want it.  It can't be.  Life on earth is life in the making, involving constant choice and frequent conflict.  As we choose we need to ask at least two questions; 1) Does my choice offer meaning beyond today - beyond momentary gratification?, and 2) Will what results be good for others as well as myself?

With tongue in cheek, Yogi Berra, that great theologian one said, "If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up somewhere else."  Reflect on these words from the prophet Jeremiah, 'I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.'  (Jeremiah 29:11).  Friend of Dial Hope, I challenge you to increase hope, to grow hope wherever you are.  Each of us must ask ourselves one question, What am I doing to increase hope in this world?

Prayer:  Living and loving God, we are awed by the stories of Jesus, his life, death and resurrection.  But we confess that it is not always easy to believe in something that happened so long ago.  Forgive our doubts and our need for logical explanations.  Give us the wonder and awe of children who accept with a loving heart what a discerning mind rejects.  Fire our imaginations and awaken our souls to the miracle of your promise of everlasting life.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.