The Rev. Marianne Allison, Chaplain and Spiritual Care Coordinator, offers reflections on hope.
This image of a woman, patiently waiting, reminds me of people in the lobby at William Temple House. After checking in at reception, a client may be waiting for her turn to shop the food pantry or to request utility assistance. Another may have an appointment with the dental van or to see his mental health counselor.
The painting, “Hope,” is by Carol Aust, a favorite artist of mine. Whether the woman pictured is happy or sad is hard to tell by her posture and facial expression. What might suggest something about her mindset is the artist’s inclusion of doves, symbols of hope. Hope is what we wish for our clients at William Temple House.
Hope at William Temple House
The great Archbishop Desmond Tutu distinguished between optimism and hope. The feeling of optimism can change like the weather—and sometimes there are clouds ahead. Sometimes our clients don’t feel so great in the short term, and we’re here to support them during those difficult times. But hope is more enduring.
This new year, we’re inviting our clients and community members to adorn the tree in our lobby with a message or word of hope for the coming year. With pens and markers and a simple paper cut-out of a blue or white dove, perhaps the practice of calling forth hope will reward our patient waiting. Through the cloudier days and the turmoil of our times and our everyday lives, remembering our hope reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit.
