Great Expectations

       Ever read the novel "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens? Neither have I. But I know part of the story. A poor boy, known as Pip, with no connections to speak of, is granted sponsorship from an anonymous benefactor which allows him, among other things, to study at the University and make something better of his life than he would have otherwise been able to.

       In a very real sense, I know my Heavenly Father has great expectations for me -- 6 to be exact. Richard and I found out about 4 months ago that we will soon be blessed with a new addition to our family!  I feel much how I imagine the hero of Dickens' novel must have felt. I saw the two lines on my pregnancy test and initially felt absolute shock. (It's absurd, really. I mean, I wouldn't be taking a test unless I had some suspicion that I might be pregnant, so why am I always so surprised when I see the positive result? I think in part it's because I've known the crushing disappointment of seeing a negative result after I've waited and cried and prayed for a positive one. I try not to get my hopes up so I won't have as far to fall. Whenever I take a home pregnancy test, I always have to give myself a little pep-talk before looking at the results.) But anyway, that shock soon turned to deep gratitude and boisterous joy! I feel so honored to be entrusted with another of God's cherished spirit children to teach, to love and to care for. Richard's surprise equaled my own, and I love how his paternal and masculine mind works. After his "Wow," there was a pause, followed by, "We're gonna need a new vehicle!"
       Our newest expectation is a girl. She is active and eager. Her older siblings anticipate her arrival with eyes full of wonder and awe. My 3 year-old daughter rubs my expanding abdomen gently and explains to me, "Our baby is growing in there! It's a baby girl!"

       Not everyone is as excited. When we announced this pregnancy, we had a few comments of disbelief:
       "Are you crazy?"
       "I thought you were done!"
       My decision and enthusiasm to continue mothering children is not intended to make others feel guilty. We didn't ever put a number to how many children we wanted in our family (I never really thought that was up to me) and we're happy to welcome another family member, despite the unique challenges that decision may bring. Overall, the response from friends has been very positive. But sometimes, I think we tend to put the cart before the horse. A lot of people seem to think that I take naturally to this role of mother and that I must possess unique skills that qualify me as a mom that "can handle a lot of kids". I don't believe that's true. I believe that unto whom much is given, much is required. I believe that when Heavenly Father presents you with a challenge, He also provides you with the needed resources to meet or overcome that challenge. I wasn't born a patient, loving, creative and exuberant mother - that's what I strive to become. If I waited until I was more patient, more loving or more energetic before choosing to have children. . . then I'd still be waiting!

       Really, the reason I choose to mother children is the same reason I've chosen to pursue an education. It's the same reason that I choose to not spend my time sulking about my past or fretting about my future. It is the same reason I choose to get out of bed every morning. The reason is that I believe God has great expectations for me -- for all of us. He sent me here to fulfill His divine purposes. He has a plan for my life and high hopes for my personal destiny. I don't want to let Him down. Like an eager reader of some compelling novel, I want to see what happens! It would be a rather dull read without all the hardships and pitfalls that characterize much of life. All of this is leading to something greater. The bible teaches that Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. His literary works are not mere sensational entertainment. Their main focus is character development. The person that emerges at the story's end is someone much wiser and stronger than the one introduced in the first chapter.
       While I'm sure Dicken's hero, Pip had his moments of self-doubt, fear or anxiety, as readers

we're grateful that he didn't let those feelings prevent him from accepting the generous gift from the unknown philanthropist. The great expectations of his sponsor would have fallen flat before they even had time to make it off the ground. Plus, Mr. Dickens probably would have had to change the title, and "Self-Depreciation" just doesn't have the same ring to it.

       We're only 1 month in to the new year. While you may not be preparing for a new arrival, there will be plenty of opportunities for character development ahead for you. What great expectations do you hold for 2015? And what grand expectations do you glimpse the Lord has for you? Seek to find out. Don't refuse the gift because of the attached responsibility. Embrace it. And find out what happens between "Once upon a time, " and "The End".