Warm weather is here! As we plan for outdoor fun, we also must manage the sadness of tragedies.

“How can we make goodness as riveting as evil and destruction?” asks Krista Tippett, journalist, theologian, and author. While there is no simple answer, she also says, “Hope is a muscle.”

We, Jerry and Jayne, are both grandparents, and we notice the hope our grandchildren give to one another.

Jerry recalls a summer listening to two grandkids, cousins, on the front porch. Anthony, age four was being tested for autism, and said, “I’m trying not to walk on my toes, and I don’t think I can do it.” Samantha age five said, “I know you can do that. I’ve seen you. Let’s practice together. I love you, Anthony.” These little ones continued to connect on Anthony’s progress. His hope muscle was strengthened, and his walking improved.

Perhaps we can make goodness more prevalent by truly focusing on hope. What will you do to strengthen your hope muscle in Summer 2023?