Expectations

Proverbs 23:17,18

....but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long......and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

I think I'm a fairly optimistic person, but I find myself slipping into the wrong kind of fear mode from time to time.  Especially with change in my near future. 

I am trying to understand the definition of expectations. I have learned that the wrong kind of expectations can breed disappointment and bitterness.  I have been known to set very high expectations in evolving circumstances and because of that, the reality of what is the truth blind sides me and I am very disillusioned. 

I remember early in my marriage (as most young brides do) soon realizing that as happy as I was, my new husband could not fill my every emotional need. I was confused by this because I fully expected this to happen.  I really had to sort through some of my preconceived  expectations and turn them  around.  The reality was that I needed God to fill my deepest needs. My husband was filling the needs he was designed to fulfil. I found that turning expectations into gratitude and appreciation was the answer.

So when I find myself irritable and questioning because I am frequently feeling frustrated at the outcome of circumstances, I begin to try to find the good in it and I will turn the turmoil into gratitude.

I love to have a plan. For literally everything in my life. I wake up trying to organize my day... if I haven't already done it the night before! Which makes me tend to keep coming up short in my trusting God to help me do adjustments and changes.

I am reminded that the Word isn't full of explanation for life.  It is full of promises that God will walk us through all the chaos, the struggles and the disappointments. He rescues . He carries. He holds up. He comforts. He forgives. He gives new life. He offers hope.

So I have to daily remind myself to let go of my "blueprint" philosophy and just walk with Him. Reality tells me that my journey is full of bypasses, sudden turns and even dark tunnels. 

My expectation must be that there is always hope. Not that things turn out the way I want or plan.  Hope that covers me when I don't see the path.. confidence that He is ahead of me leading...that's what brings contentment and peace.  That is something I seek every morning. I can't survive without it.

My husband and I were discussing late last night how much we had to do in the next few weeks.  My mind started churning....I started to feel anxious. But as we bowed in prayer, I felt comforted in knowing that my expectations would not be cut off as long as they were tempered by the Big Plan.

So in my endless list making for the winter ahead, I am trying to let go and trust in the One who has sufficiency for all things. I'm daily reminding myself of His promises!
 

 

 

Gatherings

 "The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing." Prov. 20:4

As I drive through country roads this autumn season, I am observing the squirrels scampering here and there. They are so busy; so focused on stashing their winter food supply,  they are even reckless as they dash across the road in front of my tires. I like to watch them so intent on their fall gatherings. 

This time in October and November, was in earlier times, just referred to as "Autumn" which means "to gather".  After the busy months of summer, we lose the beauty of the blooming flowers, but gather the overflowing baskets of fruit and grain. It is the law of life and one of the most fulfilling feelings ever experienced in life. We reap what we sow.

But we only reap if we sow. I am reminded today of how we should be living life experiencing the planting and the reaping daily. That's what living is all about.

I am in the Autumn of my life. I have to push a little harder to get out and sow. But I know if I don't , in the gathering season, the basket will be empty!  

I know my family will grow so much that these days of connecting may be fewer and far between. But right now I'm just tucking the precious memories into every basket I can find.

Time with family and friends is worth all the hard work you put into grounding relationships. If you take the time to sow the seeds, you feel so good to keep gathering year after year.

We threw our baskets in the car and headed out to Kentucky and West Virginia to gather.  We came back exhausted with them overflowing with the harvest!!

I soak up the loving camaraderie of our Kentucky son and his family. They are very openly affectionate with us and with each other. They laugh and they hug a lot.  They can still enjoy a campfire and haven't outgrown Pawpaw's funny songs he always sings to them while sitting around the fire cooking great chunks of steak on a stick!  We listened to lots of band music and enjoyed a Fallfest where we drank chocolate milk out of unique glass milk bottles. We rode the hay wagon and shot vegetables out of a veggie sling!! The kids love Monopoly and we made up our own rules and laughed bunches!! My grandma hands and heart gets almost greedy with the gathering!!

 

In West Virginia, we savoured our daughter's home cooked meals, did donuts in the truck with the grandson, and took photos on the often visited old Cass bridge. I donned my grandaughter's cowboy boots and rode with her out to "salt" the cows and snapped some classic "little pig" shots with the farmer. We girls had to drive 30 minutes of curvy road to sit a spell at a cafe called The Dirt Bean. Only in West Virginia!! The guys explored an old barn, hauled cattle, and we all relaxed around the open fire as we always do. We loaded our baskets with crisp fall evenings under wide open skies and even liked the strong farm smells!!!  It's all a wonderful part of the West Virginia gatherings!!

 

 
 

After the last campfire, we drove late into the night to connect with a big brother and sister in law. We gathered some more by catching up at midnight while munching on chocolate candy. Dashing off to Cracker Barrel the next morning, we indulged and took photos on the classic front porch. Just a few hours but so rewarding!! 

 

Having lived in both states in years gone by, we always take a little time to look up old friends, give some quick hugs, and chat awhile. It's a shame to let old friendships rust out!! So we keep trying to sow a little so we can reap a little. 

 
 

I keep my basket setting close. I often have opportunity to gather. Like having company tonight. I'm going to enjoy supper with them and do dinner next door, compliments of the daughter and the grand girls. I'm grabbing my basket and extending my hands to gather!

 
 

Our Louisiana family toss things into the basket almost daily via texting and FaceTime!!  It keeps us smiling at the antics of the two little ones! 

 

I love it that Harvest isn't limited to two or three months!  We can sow daily by the giving out. And we can gather daily as it is returned. " Give and it shall be given....... Pressed down and running over!!

So get out and sow.  Or you will be very lonely sitting with your empty baskets!!!