Expectations

We all have them.

 “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5 (ESV)

“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”  Paulo Coelho

I have expectations of others, myself, the dogs, businesses, and have been disappointed many times because of this. I have a problem, and I am sent to voicemail hell. I expect my child to be home at a certain time, and if not, I ground them. I expect my exercise and diet will get me spectacular results. Don’t get me started on lying politicians! You get the point.

But my greatest disappointment is expecting others to do what they’re not capable of. I don’t expect a child to drive a semi. I don’t expect an alcoholic to be consistent. I don’t expect to be loved by dysfunctional people. I don’t expect to be perfect. And I learned most of these by experience. I can still slip into expecting myself and others to do what is not possible. We are clay.

Perfection. How many times have we taken this on ourselves, sometimes unconsciously, and been overwhelmed and discouraged? You can be sure that if you’re trying to be perfect, you’re expecting it in others. Control issues for sure. There was only one perfect person. You know what happened. Grace is needed.

Excuses. How many times have I excused abhorrent behavior in myself or another? Then blaming others, the weather, or God for making me this way became my flimsy cover. Now I’ve lost respect for myself, and lost the love and trust of a friend or partner. Politicians and media moguls take note! What you are accusing another of is probably a log in your eye. True in Jesus’ time. True now.

All of this is because I’ve put my hope in myself, institutions, and others. True, there are times to seek wise counsel from a professional or pastor, but they aren’t with us 24 hours a day. Back to basics: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are my only hope. Our hope will not be cut off.

Musings

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” The only way to deal with expectations in ourselves and others is to align them with God’s. So difficult for me! I want what I want, and I want it now! Seek counsel from other believers, prayer, and the Word. And put in a big dose of patience for ourselves and others.

Prayer

Our Father,

You have proven over and over how you rescue, heal and uplift. Help us to remember this first before we set our expectations on others and ourselves. Help us to set boundaries when needed, encourage and praise when judgment sets in, and to be patient with ourselves and others.

We know all things work together to good if we love you.

Amen.