Hope
In the midst of midterms, I had the thought today that there were enough things, ideas, projects, opportunities, and pursuits swirling around me for which I have very specific and deep hopes. And, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to record some of them. I'm not sure how interesting this may be, but you're welcome to add your own list of hopes to mine.
By God's grace,
I have hope (though there's not much left after tonight's loss) that the Cardinals can pull out the NLCS to get into the World Series. That would be fun and cool for the girls and me, as they are getting into baseball more and more with each game we watch or listen to together.
I have hope for Memorial as well as Covenant's Student Council (of which I'm an elected "middler representative"), that my efforts to help others lead will free them from a lack of confidence and conviction in their leadership.
I have hope for our family (both immediate and extended), that what I'm learning in my Marriage and Family Counseling class will enable me to be just a little better member of both.
I have hope for my girls, that they would somehow grow up with an unbelievable amount of security and a minimal amount of scarring despite the fact that I am their father.
I have hope for Megan and me, that we can continue to grow together and let go of any grief we've dealt with in the first almost-ten years of our marriage. It's hardly been tons, but it's been enough.
I have hope for another two-and-a-half good years here at Covenant, that we could learn much and apply even more, both now and later.
I have hope that we can somehow pay for school (and everything else). I also have hope of somehow paying for four weddings one day, and even more hope that the girls will want to double-up so we'll only have to pay for two.
I have hope of a pastoring/teaching role being both available and begging me to fill it. I don't really care where we end up, but I suppose I do secretly hope it's in the Midwest - I like it here.
I have hope to keep our family's farm in the family at least through my lifetime.
I have hope of graduating from seminary with spunk (and not just a degree).
I have hope of one day writing another book...on something.
I have hope of being secure if I never do (write another book, that is).
I have hope of being in the presence of God forever and not doubting that I belong because of Jesus.
I have hope of always having hope.
For those who know me, you know I'm hardly an optimist; I'm more of a pessimistic-idealist.
Enjoy it while you can.