Last weekend, I heard Townes and Scott talking and then all I heard was Townes crying. I thought, “what could have happened?”

Townes came running – “Mama I am disappointed. I am disappointed.”

I came to learn that Townes’ disappointment was due to decisions completely out of his control. Earlier that morning, he expressed his desire to take his lawnmower to Publix with Scott, so I convinced him his wagon was better because a. his wagon is not as loud (and all the Publix shoppers thanked me in advance) and b. he could at least load some groceries and be a big “helper.”

The problem occurred when I failed to communicate this arrangement to Scott. Okay, yes, yes, I know…. parenting fail!

So, there I found myself trying to comfort my son and apologize for creating a situation where he ended up disappointed, rightfully so.

And then it hit me, Townes was experiencing the exact rollercoaster, I, myself, have been trying to ride through.

Disappointment is defined by the displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations. I would even argue disappointment is also the discomfort created by the emotions such as sadness, frustration anger fueling the feeling of disappointment.

A few weeks ago, I was ecstatic to announce that a project I have worked very hard on, that I have invested time and energy too would be released into the world in mid-February. We made all the plans, had all the conversations, gathered all the details (or so I thought) for me to discover a couple weeks ago that the Publisher is experiencing a delay.

“I” had the perfect plans –

• A February Release date
• February is Heart Awareness Month
• And Townes turns 3!

So, imagine my disappointment when I learned it may not be until mid to late March now. I felt everything Townes was feeling – disappointment because of my frustration with unmet expectations, a feeling of being let down, a loss in a way of the “perfect release.”

Then I remembered, if I have learned anything over the last three years it’s this:

• Isaiah 55 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• 1 John 3:20 “God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”
• Hebrews 3:6 “but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.”

Ridiculously Hopeful was born out of a story the Lord created. How easy it has been to put my own expectations on finally releasing it from my grip, but then I remembered, the writings contained within is about God’s faithfulness, his miraculous nature, and his generous and loving spirit. 

We were in the process able to negotiate a few things that will benefit you as the reader so for that I am thankful. So, as it stands today, we will likely be launching Ridiculously Hopeful later in March in preparation for Easter – the greatest celebration of the year.

Thank you again for all your support, love and encouragement. I CAN NOT wait for Ridiculously Hopeful to be released. I will continue to send updates as we get closer.

Cheers –

Maleah

P.S. Townes ended up taking his wagon to the store – the JOY!