Expectation
What did I expect? From marriage? Motherhood? Life?
So much more in many ways. So much less in others.
I wonder what I need to remember.
Why this word twists around my stomach and makes a knot.
Because it reminds me of disappointment.
Surprise.
Unexpected twists.
Fate.
But, one think in this crazy ride called my life, that I never expected would have been to be right here, right now. When I was young somehow I learned early a lesson.
Expect nothing, and never be disappointed.
That’s what children like me learn to trust.
Believe.
Hope.
It is a self – defense mechanism. Protection from pain at a cost.
I never expected though…
to be embraced by an invisible lover.
A God who bent from Heaven to lift me up.
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Post 5 Minute Writing thoughts: One of my favorite quotes came to mind during this writing prompt as well as the verse from Romans. I enjoy the harder prompts as well as the fun ones. To me this one was hard. As a child who waited for a step – father out on the steps with an overnight suitcase packed with high hopes of a fun visit, only to realize as it got later that he was not coming…again. Eventually stopping visits altogether, you can understand how “expectation” can present a challenge…and opportunity.
Grace my friends…it’s all grace.
Drink deep and full of the love of God and you will not demand the impossible from earth’s loves, and the love of wife and child, of husband and friend will grow holier and healthier and simpler and grander.
~Oswald Chambers
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:5
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
I want to thank you for that beautiful prayer today for my husband and I.That was so sweet and the words meant so much.Love, sandie
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Sandie, it really is my pleasure and heart's desire to do this- and I am grateful if God allowed them to be meaningful as I trust Him for this endeavor. Happy Weekend- Love, Dawn
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Isn't that one of the best things about God? How unexpected He is in His generosity, His grace, His faithfulness, His love. Because all we have to compare Him to is the capricious people and pursuits of this world. That's all we know to expect until He changes the standard, introduces a new meaning to expectation. A much, much better one. Thank you for sharing you heart here. I enjoyed reading your post. Smiles –
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Great post Dawn! I love your 'bear it all' honesty about expectations. We all have them and yes, it's easier to not expect something and then not be disappointed. It happens in family relationships, marriage, children, friends, bosses, church leaders, etc. etc. etc.I especially like your description of the lover of your soul, “A God who bent from Heaven to pick me up”. Such abandon to the simple trust that no one will meet our expectations other than the Lord Jesus.Blessings,
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HOpe is a good thing….maybe the best thing.
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“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 There is NO disappointment in Christ Jesus. We can ALWAYS depend on Him. It is good to know that there is One absolute in this universe! Amen? Amen. Thank you Dawn for sharing from your heart to us today. Made me really stop and think about the things I take for granted and the promises that I make and may not be able to fulfill. I too, loved your description of “the lover of your soul, A God who bent from Heaven to pick me up.” That is a beautiful word picture to think about. Thank you again.
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I, too, have had to stop and think about expectation and hope. At one time in my life, I had to practice this “don't expect (look forward to) anything and you won't be disappointed” outlook. I had to do this to try to survive a bad situation. But with God's help, I learned to trust Him and Hope in what He has for me.
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Aww.. heart hurts for you……. Just wanted to stop by and give you a big HUG!!!
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