EXPECTING

I'm not pregnant. Just to get that out there quick in case you were thinking this was an announcement! I'd love it.. but my husband says after two big boys and two little boys his knees can't bounce another kid. And besides.. I'm waiting on grandkids now. All the fun and way more sleep.... :)

But the word expecting has been going around  my head for a couple of days and especially today.   

Disappointment can really do things. It can change your perspective. It can change your outlook. I've heard it said "peace begins when expectation ends" or "nothing hurts more than our expectations". It's truth. You CAN get away from the searing pain of hope defered. That stinkin' thing REALLY does make the heart sick-- just like it says in Proverbs. So if you pack up your emotions and go to the opposite end of the spectrum-- it''ll keep that heart right safe. There's no loss if you never really dreamed.  If you don't  hope you can't be disappointed. 

But to be honest that state of not hoping or wishing or dreaming can lull you into a secure place that seems really peaceful because your sitting in stillness with a dead heart.

I know it. 

But we're not made for that. We're MADE to hope. We're made to dream. We're made to be alive right through and let that blood flow free in our heart and head.

I've known a lot of hopes that disappointed. I know what it's like to marry with such big hopes and see that person walk right away with nothing you could do. I know what it's like to pour your heart into something and feel like it's been ripped right out of your chest. To hear words come from people you love that slice you right open in the gut. I know what it's like to just think feeling dead in there was better than feeling that pain again. Crushed and broken hearts can leave lifeless gaps. 

But instead of hope deferred I've learned to find my hope transferred. There is a hope that does not disappoint.  And life has shown it. He's faithful. So I've transferred my hopes on him.

He's got great plans for us, friend. He's got life and joy. Don't sell out because this broken world is no anchor for that hope. Place that hoping heart in his capable hands. Place those plans and dreams and wishes there too. And EXPECT that He's got good for you. He loves you. 

Get yourself a God sized dream. Put it on the altar. And watch Him raise it up to life.

OH. And I AM pregnant. I'm pregnant with hope. Hope that doesn't disappoint. But I'll tell you about that later.