Summer has finally graced the Kalahari with its arrival, bringing with it the first whispers of rain and that indescribable earthy scent that fills the air. After enduring what some reports have called the driest year in Namibia in a century, we’re all holding our breath, praying, and hoping for more rain. There’s an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air.

This expectant waiting for rain, got me reflecting on the role of hope in our lives. It’s easy to let hope become just a fleeting wish, something we cling to when times are tough. I’m reminded of a favourite scripture from 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” It’s a powerful reminder for me to examine whether my hope is something real and substantial or just wishful thinking.

Wishful thinking is when we choose to believe something will happen, despite little evidence to suggest it will actually happen, usually just to make ourselves feel better. I hope to lose 10 pounds. (That’s pretty common this time of year!)I hope my husband remembers our anniversary (this is wishful thinking!). These hopes, while valid, are grounded in our desires and often rely on chance or circumstances.

Hope is praying for rain, but faith is bringing an umbrella– Unknown

But for us, the evidence on which we can base our hope is God’s own character — demonstrated most clearly to us in Jesus Christ. We believe that God is good, faithful, and capable of fulfilling His promises. Our hope isn’t dependent on our circumstances (like a parched Kalahari savannah landscape) but on a firm conviction that God will remain true to His word. This hope is anchored in the assurance of who God is.

As we navigate this week, let’s anchor ourselves in this genuine hope. Let our lives reflect a deep-seated confidence in God’s promises. As Colossians 1:27 puts it, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” May we live out this hope so visibly that others will be curious and ask us about it.

So today with summer blazing in the Kalahari and hope blossoming in my heart, I’m on the lookout for a cool dessert for the guests in my Kalahari kitchen. It has to be ice cream- my absolute favourite dessert, no matter the flavour, season, or time of day. I keep the hope of a delicious scoop in my freezer at all times! I reach for the dark chocolate in my pantry (my other guilty pleasure) and decide to make a chocolate ice cream that melts luxuriously on your tongue. Two kinds of chocolate and real cream make this the best and easiest chocolate ice cream you can make at home. It will fill you with hope!