Expectations–> What expectations do you carry throughout your day which influence how you interact with people and the world around you?
We expect to wake up each morning, go to work if we have a job, take care of our family, uphold our financial obligations and calendar appointments, as well as many other things which can vary based on who we are, where we live, and the culture. I think of the man who stated persecution for the sake of the gospel was “normal” for his culture so you simply had the expectation of enduring it throughout your life. This of course to the American hearing the recounting of the story seemed quite “abnormal” because of certain freedoms US citizens inherently possess. Does your version of “normal” dictate your expectations?
You see though we have both positively and negatively reinforced expectations, how those expectations are handled influence our outlook on life. Often we have expectations that are unrealistic or simply aren’t met and the resulting effect opens the door for bitterness and resentment to wiggle in taking root in our hearts. We can even place false expectations upon our family and friends potentially straining relationships and creating disappointments which bind us to our past should they not be dealt with properly. Other times, circumstances prescribe our expectations. We are pleased when expectations are met and discouraged when they are not. No one ever expects for a disaster or tragedy to happen to them and yet all around the world we find ourselves recovering from more of them than ever before lately. By the way, what one considers a disaster or tragedy can vary from culture to culture too…
I was told as I journey in this missionary adventure that things will not happen as I expect them to occur. I know most of my expectations are either based on past experiences, current knowledge, or standing on scriptural promises so it’s interesting to ponder on how I might be surprised along the way.
I have to laugh at G-d’s sense of humor sometimes. While walking, I usually find a coin or two to add to my fundraising collection. On a recent walk, I made the statement “What no coin today?” as I neared home and literally at this precise moment I looked down and there was a penny. I wasn’t expecting that.
At a missions yard sale, a lady bought one of my paintings. She paid for it and handed it to her son to carry back to the car. As they turned to leave, he came back and pulled a penny out of his pocket. Handing it to me, his mother asked him “What are you doing?” and his reply was “I want to give something too”. It was a precious moment of not only seeing a boy have a heart for giving but also receiving something you didn’t expect even if it was only a penny.
US coins/money have “In God We Trust” printed/engraved on them. Each time I see a coin, especially a penny, I reflect on placing my trust in G-d each moment of every day.
Two years ago, I was invited to a dinner to get to know my mentor a bit better and I walked away adopted as a daughter into their family being given the opportunity to rebuild on the foundation of love. I really didn’t expect or see that one coming…however, G-d did. He’s the one who set it up as part of the plan He is carrying out in my life. The cool thing is He is carrying out things you would never expect or dream too.
Are your eyes open to see it?
Do you trust Him to meet and even exceed your expectations?
“for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains,
and the insects in the fields are mine.” -Psalm 50:10-11
“To obey is better than sacrifice” – 1 Sam 15:22
