Hope.

To me, it's amazing, that even though parents don't know you when you're first born, they pick a name that makes sense. Whether it just sounds good or fits your personality, usually names are as special and unique to a person as their personality. When I hear someone's name for the first time, occasionally I'll imagine if they had a different name, and what that name would be. (Yes, I'm weird). More often than not, the name I come up with doesn't sound as good. It just doesn't fit. 

I believe that my parents gave me my name for a reason. Christiana Johnson. Christiana means Christ Follower. Johnson, well son of John. Haven't really figured that one out yet, but maybe one day I'll research my family history and discover how John fits into my lineage. ;)

My middle name is Hope. Throughout my life, I've wondered why I was gifted with such a name. Why hope? According to google's definition, hope is: "a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen." To me personally, hope is faith that God's word will be fulfilled in  my life and that everything in my life happens for a reason. It is the ability to look forward to the future with feelings of anticipation and trust that God is in control. 

I have learned that in life hope is something that is essential. Without hope, it's hard believe that what you do will matter. Why become a lawyer if you don't believe you'll make a difference? Why become a 2nd grade English teacher if you don't believe you'll be any good at keeping kids quiet or telling them stories? Hope is essential to find your purpose. To believe in a higher calling, and strive to fulfill that. 

I find my hope in Jesus Christ. His hope gives me perspective. It helps me see outside of this short life and the fleeting things of this world. I know that what I do here on this earth matters, because at the end of it, I will hear him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I have hope that I will spend eternity with my Savior-an eternity full of laughing, tears of joy, and worship. An eternity full to the brim with hope. 

Many times, life gets mundane. We eat, sleep, work, and repeat the cycle. To do lists take up our time. Hope helps me get through these mundane days. Hope helps me believe that it is all for something greater. It gives me confidence that Jesus is standing at the end of my story, waiting to watch my expression as he puts the pieces into place. 

I love these verses in Job 11:

“Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him,

if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,

then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear.

You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.

Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor."

God promises hope to those who follow Him. If we "devote [our] heart to him and stretch out [our] hands", He will give us strength and hope to get through life. And better yet, to get through eternity.