ex·pect·ed, ex·pect·ing, ex·pects –verb
- To look forward to the probable occurrence or appearance of: expecting a telephone call; expects rain on Sunday.
- To consider likely or certain: expect to see them soon.
a. A period of waiting; pause, interval, or delay
Clearly, looking back over this journey I can see that I've had "expecting" days and I've had "waiting" days, mingled with days that fall somewhere between the two. Lately, in particular, I've been waiting. Normally I consider myself an optimistic person, but in recent weeks there simply hasn't been much expectation in my heart. I've been struggling with my feelings, and after reading the bulletin blurb this morning, I decided I'm going to try to change that. I'm going to try to stay in a state of expectation, rather than a state of waiting. The differences seem subtle enough when you consider the language alone, but actually they are quite profound.
Interesting food for thought!
10 comments:
Very interesting food for thought! And ...I would of felt the same way as you did, as if the bulletin was printed just for me! God does work in our lives in very creative ways. Be blessed! Pep
It's interesting to me how important messages find us at the right time like this.
Your thoughts show how important each word is. I wouldn't have thought about those two words and I'm glad you took a few minutes to share it.
I can definitely see how that message felt like it was speaking right to you! Hmmmmm....very interesting point you bring up. We ARE expecting, aren't we? But, no one in my life treats me that way (i.e. asks about our adoption, says I'm "glowing" lol, etc.). I also feel that the waiting label feels more comfortable. Most days (like today), it doesn't feel real or that it will ever happen. But it will for both of us. I'm looking forward to when we can share that part of our journeys. This waiting stinks!
Melba,
Thanks for your well wishes on my getting better! Pretty miserable right now but, finding it a great time to check in on all my 'expecting' bloggy friends!!
I'm glad that the Lord spoke to you through this verse! Thanks for the definitions!! I think this is wonderful! We can apply this to many areas of life!
Like I told Bri, I wish I could take these times of waiting away from you all!!! Just have to keep encouraging you to hang in there and wait for your miracle to happen.... mean expect your miracle to happen!!!! hugs!
I love this ~ may we all have expectation in our hearts. Your day will come Melba (i promise!!) Right now I can tell you just feel a bit dreary (maybe the holidays magnify this feeling), I think of you and pray that your heart will be so very full of love soon!
very inspirational words, Melba. I think that you and I both need to work on our mindset. The bottom line is that we ARE expecting. We just don't know when the end date is.
Very interesting.
This is a very hard time of year to be waiting expectantly.
It's hard to stay focused during the wait and keep your mind positive, but it can be done. And I'll be praying that you'll be able to.
Great lesson.
Melba, thank you for sharing this... I've been thinking about change lately, and you said it beautifully.
I'm such a nerd - I get all excited about the little nuances of the English language. Those tiny differences are actually huge when you really examine them - "expecting" is active, while "waiting" is more inactive.
Thank you, really, for sharing this... I really needed it :)
Hey Melba ~
I don't know if you get Adoptive Families magazine, but I just received an e-mail edition from them regarding the holidays that I thought you might like to read. If you want me to forward it to you just e-mail me at jmeturg@yahoo.com. :)
Jamie
Hi, I just found your blog through lost and found. Hubbs and I are just at the beginning of this process but I am looking for all the good advice I can get!
Thanks for the words of encouragement
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