The Hope Chest

     My sixteen year old daughter, Alannah, has just started her hope chest. I have been blessed with an old fashioned girl who wants to some day, marry and have a family of her own. She has been knitting dish cloths and collecting china cups and saucers and she would like to start her china pattern. She has chosen Blue Willow by Johnson Brothers, probably one of the oldest china patterns still in existence. (Did I mention that I have a very old fashioned girl?) I love her just the way she is and I know that some day she will find a young man who will love her just the way she is too.
     Many girls don't have a hope chest anymore or sadly even know what one is. A hope chest use to be a common thing and I can remember the joy I felt knowing that the little items I tucked away in mine, would someday be used in my own home. Not only was I placing doilies, dishcloths, and china in my wooden box but in a way I was also placing my hopes and dreams for the future there as well.
     Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." It's important that we have dreams to look forward to and to have the faith that those dreams will someday come true. Maybe a 'hope' chest should be called a 'faith' chest, who knows? I think that even more importantly than choosing a china pattern, we need to make sure our hearts are following hard after God because if they are, then He will give us the desires of our heart and will bless us abundantly, more than a hope chest could hold.
     Matthew 6:33 says "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." I am so thankful that my beautiful daughter is not only planning for her future husband and children but is also a godly young woman who loves the Lord with all her heart. What a blessing she is!