Hope in the Calling: Overflowing with Hope

^"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

— Romans 15:13

Isn’t it funny how even the simple approach of a weekend stirs anticipation in us? That building excitement of "something good is coming." The hope that we'll have more time to pursue our own interests or cross a number of tasks of the "honey-do" list. The hope of more quality time spent with our loved ones. This eager anticipation mirrors the deeper kind of hope that reminds us God is already on His way. Hope is the first light of Advent, the first candle with a glow that breaks into darkness and reminds us that God is already at work long before we see the results. This candle is also called the Prophecy Candle, because it reminds us that God’s gift of salvation was planned long before we ever knew to hope for it.

In many ways, hope in schools is lived out long before it is spoken. We learn quickly that hope is less about wishing things were different and more about trusting God is working in what already is. You’ve already practiced it when you see a student before you teach them and respond according to their needs; you are quietly lighting hope in a heart that may not receive it anywhere else. Hope looks like greeting a student at the door even when their morning has already collapsed. It sounds like speaking confidence into a child who sees only failure. Some days hope looks like planting seeds you may never see grow, and doing it again and again anyway because of the hope that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Philippians 1:6).

The Candle of Hope is a reminder that hope is not passive waiting, but active expectancy. Hope is not something we muster by trying harder; it is something God fills us with as we trust Him. Your voice, your actions can communicate this hope, pointing someone else to the God who pours out hope generously and in abundance.

We can believe with certainty that God is already redeeming what looks too far gone; this is the greatest hope that Advent offers us.

This is also the kind of hope students need most: hope that sees who they could become, not just who they are in this moment. This hope is not wishful thinking for them; it’s the assurance that they are seen, known, and guided by a God who is already working in their lives. Sometimes they experience that hope first through you.

Our colleagues need hope too. You may work with a teacher who keeps her tears quiet behind a closed classroom door. What about the brand-new educator wondering if they’re even cut out for this at all? And the teacher next door who longs to feel the joy of the season but can’t escape the hollow ache of grief, missing someone they hold dear. Hope looks like checking in on the teacher who seems worn thin. Hope offers relief instead of judgment. Hope notices exhaustion in someone’s eyes and choosing compassion over complaint. Hope believes the best about a coworker even when conflict has made that difficult.

These practices don’t just support others; they help create room for God's gift of hope to overflow through you, filling you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, just as the God of hope promises.

Overflowing with Hope

Where might you actively pour out hope today? A discouraged student? A worn out colleague? Your spouse or child?

Your own weary spirit that needs a reminder of God’s nearness?

Prayer

God of Hope, fill me today with Your joy and peace. Let Your hope renew what feels worn out in my heart and strengthen me to pour out an overflow to others. Help me to anticipate what You are doing beneath the surface and to trust You with expectancy. Light my heart with hope so I may light the way for others. Amen.