EXPECTATIONS

 I keep mulling over the statement by my therapist friend~

"Expectations are premediated disappointments!"

And then I circled back to the post "Overwhelmingly Overwhelmed" with these comments~

1.  Expectations I place upon myself.

2.  My perception of the others' expectations

When a word or phrase begins repeating itself in my head, I pay attention.  There is always a message in there.

As I thought this over, I went all the way back to my early years while still at home with Momma.  There were expectations---sometimes unstated---but there was always the feeling of something was expected from me.  I fell short of those expectations and thus began my journey down the road of proving myself worthy of respect.  How many things in life did I do or accomplish because of the expectations I placed on myself in an effort to feel worthy of love?  From those early days literally until today---I desire to be loved and held in a place of esteem.  NOW---that is not all bad---it has served me well to strive to serve others, work hard, and always expect my best.  BUT what caused me to really pause was my friend's remark about "premediated disappointments".  I am not certain I totally agree with her remark, but I know she would be open to hearing my thoughts.  

When expectations cause us to be the best we can be--within reason--that should be a good thing.  One of the things I have always strived for is to be able to put my head on the pillow every night knowing I did my best.  Sure, at times I fell short, but I went down swinging--really trying.  We get into trouble when our expectation are unrealistic.

If I have an expectation of being Miss America--that is not only unrealistic--the thought of that possibility sailed LONG ago (I am NO beauty queen but pleasant looks are good too).   If I have an expectation of running another marathon--my body will protest and go on strike.  If I have an expectation of living to 100, my gene pool would disagree.  On and on---expectations are fool hearty when they do not line up with reality. NOW, by the same token, I can have an expectation of spending time with the Lord today; getting the house clean today; visiting with my family today; and eating healthy and know it can be accomplished with good planning and wise use of my time.  So, NO, I do not think expectations are all bad and in fact I think they might help us use our time wisely.

Finally and most important, what does God expect from us?  I will leave you with this verse from His Word that I claim as one of my life verses~

"He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the Lord require (expect) of you but

to do  justice,

and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?"

Micah 6:8