I was asked tonight what is the definition of hope? This simple question came from a man who seemed educated and loved to let the world know how philosophical he truly could be. He sat eagerly speaking to a woman who was left mesmerized by all of his boring words. I caught bits and pieces of their conversation that went on for hours. I heard new words that I never heard of before and would not dare to ask what one meant for I would seem uneducated in their presence. But all of a sudden my ears turned in their direction to the word hope. I was cut off right away with my quick answer. I didn't even have to think of what I thought the definition should be. I turned to the thinly looking man who seemed a little drawn and spoke my definition of hope, "Hope means to never give up". Right away he replies, "No that is not the definition. Hope means disappointment deferred." I turned around and went about my business and cut off the sound of his voice for the evening.
I went home and pondered the word deferred. The definition is to put off to a later time; postpone. We all know what the outcome of disappointments may bring to us in life. Put the two together and there is no hope.
It's funny because in a way what he said could be true in some scenarios. Many of us hope for a lot of things in life. We daydream and wish on circumstances to occur. But unless we move out of our comfort zone and take chances on our hopes and dreams they will be just disappointments in the future because we never acted upon them. We stood there or laid there hoping this or that will come our way but we never got up and acted upon them. Fear held us back because we did not want to be disappointed. We were afraid so we took a step back.
Fear does not rule you or own you. Nor does disappointment. Erase those words from your memory and continue on with hope. Do not give up and awaken each day to the meaning of hope-"feeling that what is wanted can be had or that the events will turn out for the best; to expect with confidence!" Turn your hopes into a reality and stop pondering on what should be. Let go and give in....
