Another word for optimism is hope: the belief that something good will happen.
I am learning that prayer is what fuels optimism. By prayer, I mean frequent conversation with God. Last fall I read The Way of A Pilgrim, the Russian classic about unceasing prayer. During that time, God made me aware that I spent more time on the internet than I did talking to Him. That led to a month of repentance and re-focusing my heart on Him--making a habit of conversing frequently with God for a good portion of every day. (It is an easy habit to form, because God helps you.)
I didn't realize it at the time, but that was the first and most important step in my desire to become an optimist. A woman of Hope. ♥
That's a stunning photograph!
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in how you equate optimism with hope. I always think of hope as being borne from a rather negative foundation - or at least from uncertainty. You *hope* things will be better, as opposed to believing they will (which I would call faith, or optimism.) But then, hope and I have a special and somewhat difficult relationship! ;-) And I am not educated in a Christian way about hope, except to know that faith, hope, and love are the three most important qualities - love being the greatest (which I learned from The Land of Far-Beyond, a children's version of Pilgrim's Progress.) I guess if I were to be more positive in the way I view hope, I would say it was "wishing for good things", and that is a kind of faith - one which believes good things are possible.
Oh dear, your comment box is not an appropriate place to discuss linguistics. But your post, and all your recent thoughts on the subject, have really got me thinking. You are changing my mind and my heart. Thank you :-)
I am always glad for your comments! I began writing a reply to this one, but decided that it should be a post. You always get me thinking, too, Sarah. I am better person for knowing you. ♥
DeleteThank you for your kind compliment on my photo. : )
What an awesome sky!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey Susan.
I have been reading The Gift of Faith by Father Tadeusz Dajczer, it has helped me on my walk with God, and I thought you might be interested.
That looks like an excellent book, I'm adding it on my 'to-read in 2014' list.
DeleteThank you so much for sharing your good thoughts and encouragement. ♥
started to comment...but it got too long...posted over at my place instead.
ReplyDeletehttp://onedeepdrawer.wordpress.com/2014/01/18/hope-by-any-other-name/
thank you. peace keep you.
I'll click on over and check it out!
DeleteThanks for visiting, friend. ♥
The sky - sunrise? So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSounds like God is really helping you along speedily!
It was a gorgeous sunset. I took it from my back deck a couple of days ago. It seemed rare and marvelous to me, because I usually don't notice sunsets in January--probably because I spend too much time inside during the winter0
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The Lord is great and greatly to be praised! ♥
It takes a bit of doing...but conversing with Him is actually quite doable. In the beginning, it was a bit hard for me, but now...well, now, it is Him and I - all the time :0) Thank you for visiting the cottage Susan.
ReplyDeleteA Woman of Hope ... it sounds like the title to a beautiful story. Maybe yours? Your picture is the perfect thing for my tired eyes today; it speaks of spring and wonderful things to come, so peaceful and energizing all at once.
ReplyDeleteso true! Love this post and yes to prayer leading to optimism.
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