Looking ahead, what do you see? (A message of hope)

Is it valuable to analyze your past, or simply choose to move forward? The expectation of your future changes your present experience. 

Imagine two people being offered the same job, placed in two rooms right next to each other. Both are required to perform a simple and menial task, repeatedly for eight hours per day, five days per week for one full year. The person in Room A has been promised a payment of $10,000 after the end of one year. The person in Room B has been promised a payment of one million dollars after the first year. Would their experience be different? Absolutely. Because the hope of reward and energy exuded within sheer anticipation is invaluable.  

How does this apply to your relationships? Hope, reward, and the possibility of dreams-come-true affect your day to day interactions. Knowing there is a marvellous future ahead affects your atmosphere. Your beliefs about the future of your relationships radically affect your outcome.   

“A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” (C.S. Lewis)

Consider developing a reservoir of hope for your present relationships. Through imagining yourself as high-functioning, loving unconditionally, being patient, and kind in every circumstance you are rehearsing the best possibilities. The Hoover Dam is a reservoir that produces power and energy. Your reservoir of hope has the potential to develop emotional strength and power in your marriage, your family, and your friendships. 

Hear more about this topic on Episode 70 of All About Relationships Podcast with Bob and Audrey.