My husband has been gone for most of the last month, and my semi-grand plans to honor Lent with the kids were shoved under beds and into dusty corners. Oh, I could tell you all the things I have done. Things like making an extra trip or seven to the orthodontist and dentist to deal with teeth problems. Things like dealing with car issues. Things like taking kids to swim team, shooting team, and band practice. Things like meetings for this and that. And of course, writing, writing, and writing some more.
When our nights finally wind down between 9:30 and 10, I’m reading a bit from the gospels to the kids. And on the more stumbling along, tired nights, we are doing well to whisper prayers. Not the end of the world, I know. But Lent is full of bountiful offerings, and I’m disappointed I’ve only taken an anemic portion. I’m not so much disappointed in myself as that I didn’t get to do all I’d hoped.
Oh, I know there is as much grace in a busy season as in any other. But I don’t want any insider’s glimpse from our lives to give the impression that Jesus isn’t a priority. I want to balance my daily responsibilities with the kids’ interests and still have our relationship with Jesus come out as the biggest part of our lives.
The good news? There is grace in knowing that life is measured over many seasons, not just a selective one or two. It helps to see my priorities within that lens rather than just the last month. And within that, hope lies beyond the disappointment.
Sometimes disappointment looks like not getting to do things you hoped to do. But often disappointment sits like a sack of bricks dropped in your lap by someone else. This last year has held this kind of disappointment for our family as well, in large and small doses. And maybe it has for you and yours, too.
As we spend this Holy Week remembering the choices Jesus made to live His Father’s will – choices that spoke of His unfathomable love for you and me – let’s keep in mind one truth about disappointment that blazes more brilliantly this week than any other:
Behind great disappointment follows greater hope.
That disappointment you’re facing? God would only allow it if the hope waiting behind it was greater still.
“Your love has called me out, out of my sorrow, out of my broken places!
Hope has been renewed, ‘cause there on the cross, there on the cross
Love broke through.” ~ Ellie Holcomb, “Love Broke Through”
Love breaks through, and Hope gets the last word.
Thank God for HOPE!
Amen.
Love this authenticity. When I read your husband has been gone most of the month, I really felt for you. You’re right though, diappointments don’t have the last word, Hope does. Thanks for the reminder!
Kristen,
Thank you for the reminder that God looks at the big picture…the disappointment dump truck just made a stop at my doorstep. Needed this reminder that Hope comes along behind the disappointment. There is always hope!! I always enjoy your posts!
Blessings and hugs,
Bev
I love it when you stop by, Bev. You’re a breath of effervescent fresh air. Much love to you!
I love, love, love this. I’ve been thinking about how God wastes nothing to draw us to him. For me, that’s especially true in a busy season, which my family also is in. This post speaks so much truth and encouragement into my life. I’m glad of the many unread blog posts in my inbox, I picked this one to read.
P.S. I’m pretty much obsessed with Ellie Holcomb right now. Her newest album has been on repeat around here for a couple months. Such refreshing sounds.
Do you know I hadn’t even heard of Ellie Holcomb until recently? So thankful to know her and her music now.
It’s always so good to see you, Kristin. Have a wonderful Easter with your family.
Hvae you considered counting the Omer? I was feeling disappointed with our distracted Lent season as well. The time between Passover and Pentecost is a great time for soul work too! Jesus would have done it and it’s a sweet point of connection to our Messiah. There’s a few good apps to help with the daily meditations.
Resurrection Blessings, my friend Kristin shared your blog.
Your words encouraged me yesterday, friend, and I returned to them again this morning. Hope comes after the persevering. It comes out of the fruit of character. And it is made possible because of disappointment. I noticed something this week, how disappointment is because of our expectations and it’s pride that expects. So, it’s breaking of us that’s required. The breaking of pride gives way to hope. Yes, “God only allows the [disappointment] if the hope waiting behind it was greater still.” I am clinging to this truth today, sister-friend. {hugs}
Beautiful words… and so very needed. Thankful that hope is our anchor!
Oh Kristen I am so right there with you!!! This Holy week has seen a major dump truck of disappointment and business for me. My attitude has not been what it should. I had to take dad to ER Tuesday and they admitted him. Today he is headed to rehab for 2 weeks. Prayerfully all will be well and he can continue as normal.
This week has been such that sleep has eluded me, running ragged here and there and just feel like Mac truck ran me over. I am thankful that I have 2 of my sisters here to assist me with all the details.
Also grateful to God for His loving Grace and mercy and the fact that nothing is wasted on us! AMEN!
Have a blessed Easter!