unpacking boxes

 

I have been unpacking boxes lately

by MT

These are mostly boxes of papers and files

The ones I “knew” I would need someday.

And now, years later,

I didn’t know they were there!

I hadn’t missed them.

Not like I missed Hope!

This unpacking process reminds me of hope,

Storing it away for a critical day

Then not sure what container it is in

(Those transparent ones really help!?)

What I am finding amongst the papers

are files stuffed with old sermons 

Or articles on resurrection

And I am trying to stay positive 

in my overwhelmedness 

I am so sure there is an answer or inspiration 

Stored in there somewhere

This is not like hope, I fear,

Hope is not an aging item

Hope cannot be put in storage to be dusted off

For the day of unjust invasion

Hope needs to be cultivated 

And ready

No matter what

Cultivated

Nurtured

Like the muscle which it is

Hope needs a regular routine

It needs to be stretched and strengthened

I believe that gratitude and compassion 

Mercy and Grace

Can become the practice

like a chiropractor might prescribe a massage

or deep pressure

To ensure the hope is working and not constricted

So today I am unpacking boxes

And saying little prayers of thanks

for each discovery

Uncovering that article which gives meaning to the hope of resurrection

an eternal universal process of transformation and hope.

Gazing at the image of praying hands by Durer 

demonstrating incarnate compassion

Embracing the tattered coffee stained poem 

reminding me of the peace of wild things and

Unlocking the door to hope even in despair

by holding it

gentling it

becoming it.