Expectant
Hi everyone, I’m Ashley Warren: self-proclaimed people pleaser and “harmony” junkie. I’m a wife, a friend, and a staff member at Cross Point Church. And…
I recently became a mom. I mean really recently…like 2 weeks ago. (So please forgive any meandering or incoherent thoughts. Lack of sleep will do that!) Nestled in with my baby girl during a middle-of-the-night feeding a couple of evenings ago, I came across this sentence as I read her an excerpt from the much-loved EB White novel Charlotte’s Web:
“Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch.”
And tears immediately clouded my vision.
The power of expectation is an idea that’s been rolling around in my heart and head a lot in the last few months as I’ve walked through this miracle of becoming a mother, a dream that I’ve had for as long as I can remember. The waiting was so sweet because of all of the hope wrapped up in the possibilities to come. Who will she look like? Will she love to read like I do? What will she want to be when she grows up?
Being expectant, being hopeful leads us to dream the dreams that keep our hearts alive. It also allows us to see the potential in those around us. If we hope, it implies that we see the room for possibilities that haven’t yet been realized. I would love to lead like that. Seeing room for possibilities—in myself, in those that I’m blessed to lead, in the circumstances that make up my reality—and being expectant for the things that are yet to “hatch.”
What are you hoping for? Who do you see possibilities in and how can you encourage him/her?
Love this. You made me want to read Charlotte's Web again.
ash… this post is beautiful and so true. you delivered one heck of a post my friend!
Such a beautifully write word – what a blessing. A profound quote from one of my all time fave classics. Thanks for this, Ash
And that's why you were a teacher. You have such a beautiful way with words. Love your post and I love you!
Great post Ashley. Makes me think of what I can do to encourage people around me. Also makes me renew hope for my future too. Charlotte’s Web has wonderful words of wisdom as do Winnie the Pooh books
Ashley~ WOW!!! This post is SO beautifully written. It made my heart smile and left me with a new perspective on the "expectant" parts of my life! Amazed you are writing anything with a two-week-old! You truly are amazing!
Give that sweet baby girl a big fat kiss for me!
you ladies are amazing! part of what has made this season so rich has been having the support and love of amazing friends!
I read lots of blogs daily and some just seem to grab your heart and its like God is breathing it into your own heart. This is one of those post! I am encouraged and even since I watched Pete Wilson's sermon a few days ago I have been watching my words and SEEing people. Jesus saw people and was moved with compassion! Thanks for encouraging us to be moved to action:) love it…def adding this site to my blog roll:) http://www.simplyholly.wordpress.com
This was awesome. A perfect picture and so true. Thank u
I'm going to forward this post to a few friends
wow Ashley….this spoke directly to my heart and filled in God’s wisdom where what I had on my own left off. I’m “expecting” too….but in a much different way. And God is getting me ready….thank you for the encouragment in the meantime
I love the idea of being expectant in regard to how we're leading others. Thanks Ash!
Beautifully written! This a great reminder for me on perspective.
Hope you and baby are doing well, and getting a few naps in here and there.
What a lovely post and point of view. I love the idea of dreams leaving room for the possibilities that haven't been yet realized. I hope I can tend that in my own heart as well as those hearts and lives around me. Thank you for such rich food for though.
Love this and love you!!!! I cant wait to come see you guys! This made me cry i cant WAIT to be a mom! Love it!
I miss reading your written words. What beautiful thoughts from my beautiful girl! We are blessed to know you! I love you and that baby girl…can’t wait to see you again soon. MOM