Robin Howell: A wife’s hope

For us fishing wives/girlfriends, the dream is alive and well heading into the 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic.

What is hope? According to the dictionary it is “an optimistic attitude of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large.” As a verb, its definitions include: “hope on the face” and “to cherish a desire with anticipation.”

As Randy pulled out of the garage to head out to the 2015 Bassmaster Classic, I am filled with hope seeing him leave. I think it’s pretty cool too that his boat is colored with the colors of the charity he represents: King’s Home – where HOPE lives. Life can have some ironic instances, but in this case I am thinking it is Providence.

I believe I speak for not only every Bassmaster Classic contender’s wife, but for every wife/girlfriend out there reading this. We all have hope that each day our significant other will achieve his dream, whatever that may be.

For us fishing wives/girlfriends, that dream is alive and well heading into the week when they will compete in the 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro. It is a big week, and whatever the outcome on Feb. 22, someone’s hope will be achieved and lives will be changed!

I am full of many hopes this morning as I reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead. I hope that this Classic will surpass his wildest expectations, that he will make a positive difference everywhere he goes, that he will listen more than he speaks, and that his boys will look up to him as the greatest man they know and want to be just like him. It’s the same type of hope I have for my boys and I am sure many other parents have for their children. 

I think when a person loses hope in their dreams, it’s time to take a time-out and reflect on what fills them with hope. It’s been a really cool year to see all that has taken place because of winning the 2014 Bassmaster Classic. However, his hope to win another hasn’t relaxed or disappeared. After watching him all year and being completely amazed at how he has risen to the occasion, and in my eyes been the Champion he was created to be, I am convinced his hope to win again is even greater than before.

It’s been cool to hear from so many what his words on stage last year meant to them, and I have caught myself smiling so many times knowing that he was fulfilling his purpose through a passion for fishing. Who would have thought that could be possible?

So, in conclusion, never lose your hope in whatever that means for you. I know without a doubt that hope is the flame that keeps the fire going for all dreams! I will leave you now with one of my favorite verses about hope and one of my favorite songs by Rascal Flatts.

Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Remember, SMILE, it can change the world around you!

"My Wish" by Rascal Flatts

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big.