We all hope in many ways for many things.  We hope for love, health, prosperity.  We hope for good lives for our children and family members.  We hope for an end to war so we can live on a peaceful planet.  And when loved ones become ill, we hope for their return to health.

Sometimes the medical profession tells us not to hold out “false hope” for someone’s recovery, but we do anyway.  Because we all know that there is no such thing as false hope.  There is only hope.  Sometimes hope turns into denial if it holds on in the face of change.  Denial is painful.  If someone is dying, denial can cause anger and disconnection from the person who is ill, or desperate anxiety in an attempt to save the person. Acceptance can lead to love, forgiveness and comfort that lasts long after the person is gone.

So maybe hope and acceptance walk hand in hand through our lives.  We hope and we accept.  We may hope for one result and have to accept another.  We may hope for healing and feel grateful when healing occurs.  We can accept the outcome, whether it is joyful or painful. Hope and acceptance keep us alive and in touch with our hearts, in touch with Love.