A Norvell Note for February 1, 2021
Vol. 23 No. 05
Hope Even in the Haze
Let me introduce you to Haze and Hope. Haze and Hope were three weeks old when we brought them home in late April of 2020. As you can see, they have grown considerably since then. Haze is the larger and fluffier brother, and Hope is the smaller sister.
Haze’s name came from his thick fluffy and hazy smoke-colored fur (and one of my favorite songs from high school was “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix). Hope got her name because last year was the 50th anniversary of my graduation from Hope High School. Little did we imagine when we named them how hazy life would become and how desperately we would need to cling to the hope we have in Christ to get through the year.
They have become a calming presence in our home and have reminded me of these essential truths.
When I am with Him, I can rest.
A regular part of our morning routine is for Haze and Hope to take turns jumping up in my lap while I’m at my desk, curl up in my arms, and fall asleep. Haze often races me to my chair. Once situated, He flops in my arms and dozes. Hope prefers to be rubbed and scratched around her ears and under her chin. If my hands are too busy on my keyboard or sipping coffee, both will look up at me, meow, reach up a paw, and pat me on the chest as if to say, “Hey, I’m here!”
I find rest in the presence of my Master. I at peace when I hear His voice. I breathe with his comforting touch. I need to be as close to Him as I can be. The Master is never too busy for me. I am comforted and refreshed by being in His presence.
When I am afraid, I have a safe place.
A few occasions have been when a loud noise or uninvited visitor to our back yard has frightened our felines. When that happens, they bolt through the pet door and head straight to our bedroom. My wife and I will comfort them as best we can. I will step out the back door, searching for what brought on their sudden terror, and then reassure them that they are safe. After a period of recovery, Hope and Haze will feel brave enough to venture back outside.
Sometimes I get scared by a strange event or sudden shifts in my surroundings. I am grateful that I can run to the One who comforts me, protects me, defends me, and reminds me that I am safe in the His presence. He reminds me that He is my shelter and refuge.
When I cannot see clearly, I have hope.
Throughout the last twelve months, we have been encouraged to stay hopeful, hang on to our faith, and remain optimistic. We have tried to look forward to better days. We have struggled not to lose heart. It has not been easy to stay hopeful, there have been days when doubt and fear have almost consumed us, and yet we, by the grace of God we remain confident.
I offer these words to encourage us to remember that during a pandemic and beyond, our vision can become hazy, life can seem futile, and fear will try to weaken our faith and take away our hope. We can find rest in His presence. We can find comfort in knowing we have One who welcomes us into the safety of His loving arms. We can find peace in knowing He is your shelter in the storm.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
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