A little flicker, a tiny hope

Sometimes, you get this tiny little flicker of hope. Every mother must know this feeling. This feeling that comes over you that you are positive you are raising what will be a law-abiding contributing citizen to this world. That he won't incur library fees for overdue books. That he will share his milk money with the other boy who forgot his. That he will help the injured bird with a broken wing. That he will give back to the world who has given so much to him. That he won't litter. That his cup will always be half-full. That he will put God first. That he will love his brother. That he won't forget his mama's birthday. That he will pay his taxes. That he will treat his grandparents with respect. That when he throws for a touchdown, he will give all the credit to his teammates. That he will make good decisions. That he will think of others before himself.

The feeling doesn't happen all the time with your kids. But in this picture, I can see the tiny little flicker there. And, that's what hope is. It is the belief that something can happen, the expectation that what you believe will come true. Although this little boy has his bad days, his trying moments, his frustrations - the hope will always be there. And, on this day, I had a great feeling about this kid and his future. And, someday when he's 16 and I just hope he actually graduates, I'll pull out this picture and remind myself of the hope that lies within him. It's there- just somedays you have to really look to find it.