"If ours is a civilization meant to survive, it will have to restore the ancient art of hoping. It will have to encourage the moral imagination and nourish human dreams beyond those of private ambition.

"If you wish to elevate any conversation, ask your partner what he or she hopes to be someday. Living with tender hope is not a waste of time, and seeding life with possibility is not just the foolish sport of children. Living in the moment while anticipating the next may sound like a contradiction, but it is actually the unmistakable mark of the sacramental life . . .

"Consider hope to be the one disposition for which there is no acceptable alternative. Be patient, and remember how often things work out according to a wisdom that is beyond understanding. Along the way, don't ever give up the joy of looking forward to things that give you pleasure."