expectation
a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future
- a belief that someone will or should achieve something
I'm being prompted to be a bit transparent, so for today's thoughts let's focus on the second definition!
I set my expectations REALLY high when it comes to how I think others should act/say/do and guess what that way of thinking does? It sets me up for great disappointment. If you read my post yesterday, one of the notes I took at Saturday's podcast was.....
Recipe for disaster - unmet expectations
You can just imagine how fast I jotted down that note because it was like the lady on the big screen was pointing her finger directly at me.....
because God told her to!
For most of my life, I think that's been my way of thinking. There are those who have the attitude of "live and let live" and for whatever reason when I was created, I wasn't given that train of thought.
So, guess what I've discovered!
We're all different!
(are you saying "duh", Deb?)
God created each and every one of us with different characteristics and traits and gifts. One of mine is the gift of mercy and if others don't show mercy the way I do or how I think they should, then boy howdy, I can get really upset over it. I have to back up....take a breath....and realize that their spiritual gift just might not be the same as mine and I've got to grant GRACE! Also, I have no idea where their head or their heart is at, what's going on in their life because I'm selfishly focusing on my own troubles! And, who am I to think that I can live up to other's expectations of me?
But, did you grasp what I just said?
GRACE, Y'all!
The same thing that God grants me each and every second of each and every day!
Yes.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post today. Yes, when we put our trust in God, we will never be disappointed...although I know we often have our expectations of God set way high because (speaking for myself) I often forget that it's not "my will, but THY will be done". When I remember to add that phrase to my prayers, I can relax and know that God is going to do exactly what is best for me. It also helps with my expectations of other people to realize that what I wanted them to do or be may not be what God was thinking at all...
ReplyDeleteI have been so guilty of this in years past, it took a long time but I finally realized it's not always about what I want. Oh my, that was a hard pill to swallow.
ReplyDeleteAmen!!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteVery true words there. I try not to use those words at all.
ReplyDeleteGrace: Receiving what we don't deserve.
ReplyDeleteMercy: Not receiving what we do deserve.
Amen.
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful post.
Sometimes what seems like just a little from someone may well be quite a lot for them. Like the widow's mite.