Hope

For some of us (and you know who you are), the events of the last couple of weeks urge reflection, contemplation, a look back at the year just ended and a look forward to the year beginning. The look back is intended to teach and in part to humble. The look forward is to provide hope: That the next year will be somehow better, somehow freer of our human foibles and frailties, somehow more embracing of others, somehow more purposeful. Somehow happier.

No, this is not about religion. This is about hope.

Hope. A belief that a desired positive thing will happen -- and the ability to see how that positive outcome can be attained.

Hope. That curious, powerful emotion that keeps our head in the game, our heart positive, our mind able to ward off the nasty, ugly fears that dance on the periphery or, from time to time, that dance center stage.

Hope. The emotion that helps many of us get out of bed each day, giving us energy and determination to continue the pursuit.

Hope. For some, the only thing preventing resignation to despair and failure.

Hope. A -- the? -- quintessential human emotion.

Yes, this is about hope.

Hope that:

• Those who are ill are returned to health
  

• Jobs are found for the jobless

• Chivalry is not dead

• We run to help others

• Justice is applied equally to all
  

• Hatred and prejudice are extinguished

• Wars end

• Violence and aggression are not used to effect change

• Teaching and learning are lifetime pursuits

• We care and support those hit by disaster long after the headlines end (hello Haiti, India, Chile)

• Love flourishes unabated

• Singing in public is the norm

Hey, it's that time of year. A guy can hope.