Great Expectations
Posted by Susan Shipe on June 8th, 2010 in Blog | 13 Comments
My husband and I sat down a few nights ago to finish watching Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Required reading in high school when I was attending, it is one of Dickens’ darker novels, about an orphaned boy, Pip, “A poor boy with no expectations.” What a sad statement and yet as I sat in my comfortable chair with the remote in my hand a thought flashed through my mind, “Susan, all of your great expectations are over.”
If your first reaction to that is one of surprise, or even pity, allow me to explain. I am an almost-60 woman who for the most part has had an incredible life. My husband is a kind and faithful man, I have three fantastic adult children, two extraordinary grandchildren and a work-from-home management position with an up and coming company. We live a quiet and comfortable country life on 14 acres in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina – but there is a longing in my soul to “do something big” for God.
What is big? My heart and ministry is encouraging women with the written word and having more than one person read it! I do hope you see the humor in that statement! I think one of the harder things in our Christian walk is when we feel as though God has put us on a shelf. We want to do something and yet our maturity tells us that unless God is in it, there is absolutely no point in doing it so there we sit, on the shelf, collecting what we think is dust, but in all actuality is wisdom, discernment, and patience.
There we were in our cozy den watching the great classic unfold, Pip now had a benefactor and life seemed to be going quite well for our English friend but soon arrogance and self-centeredness began creeping in. As we all know pride goes before a fall and Pip learned of his benefactor’s identity and it did not set well with him at all. The pause button was pushed and we were both up and out of our chairs for a few minutes of stretch time. I went in to check emails one more time before the night was over and there in the in-box was an email welcoming me to the Hope for Women family of bloggers!
There, in the space of just a few moments I was taken down from the shelf, dusted off, and my heavenly Father spoke into my heart, “I’m not done with you yet, Susan, far from it. There is work to do. There is hope to give. There are struggling women out there that need an on-line hug and a word of encouragement and I trust you with this mission.” Yes, Lord, absolutely, Lord, and thank You again for giving me a desire of my heart.
Ladies, it’s never too late to see your great expectations come to fruition. We serve a God who knows our every want and wish – He is a God of second and third and fourth chances – He never forgets us nor fails us when our Great Expectations are found in Him!
*PostScript: Oh yes, and by the way, in case you don’t remember the ending of Dickens’ classic – you can almost create your own because Charles himself couldn’t decide as he wrote two endings, choose the one you like!
Rejoicing in Hope!
Romans 5:1-5
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“Choose whichever ending you like”, simply put yet profoundly stated. I choose the Faith in knowing that He isn’t finished me with yet. In fact that is one of my new favorite songs. I look forward to more encouraging words and lessons on how to shake off the dust! FAITH…Firmly Anchored In Trusting Him, I remain.
Just when we think our shelf-life is going to be longer than our being-life, God shows up! Your words ring so true, Susan, God isn’t finished with you or all of us who are drinking from the silver pitchers you are hammering out. More please!
VERY GOOD, Susan. I knew it would be. You do have a gift and God is using you….He always will as long as you keep your heart atuned to His (which I know you do!) I love you and consider your friendship as a GIFT into my life.
Very Good Susan. I totally can related to what you were saying, but I do believe that we are like seasoned wine and God is saving the best for last. We will be used by Him in the days to come.
How beautiful your words were to someone else who has thought, because of age, God only wanted to use the young.How mistaken I have been. He continues to let me sing, not only for the fun of it; but, also for the pure joy of giving Him praise through singing in the spirit. What a great and mighty God we serve. You truly are a Wordsmith. Can’t wait to hear what else you have to tell us. Shalom
I can relate to this post and thanks so much for reminding us Susa that when we think it’s over God says NO! It’s just the beginning! In reading this I can feel the best is yet to come!
Thank you Susi, its great to know how much older we get, our Precious Lord is Never finished using us. what a blessing to know that, and to be reminded of it. Thank you for the word today, love and blessing, my precious friend.
This “wordsmith” is quite an incredible woman. What depth, what thot, she is quite remarkable. Thank you for the words and I’m glad you are off the shelf. We always knew you would be…
Oh by the way just in case you wonder, this “wordsmith” is my “baby” sister.
Way to go Sister! Keep on writing and giving women HOPE!
Luv ya!
Susan, this is great. Thanks for sharing.
Susan, God is using you … in His time. Thanks for reminding me.
I’m thankful the Lord can still use us at “60″…and what encouraging words from you to me…thanks, Cousin…keep them coming!!!!
Susan, even when you feel you are on the shelf God is still using you. I am thankful He allowed you some ‘down time’ because during that time you helped me more than you will ever know. (hope that doesn’t sound self-indulgent) Anyway, just know that you are never on a shelf with God. You are an inspiration to us all. Great story and again, “Oh, what I would give to write like you!”
This article is well written and gives everyone hope who has felt like we are on the shelf collecting dust. We are going to give Christ the glory and continue to press on in Faith!