Expectations

***Expectations-the strong belief that something will happen or be the case. in the future.

So, I am here to tell you that I truly believe that expectations can mess you up. They mess me up all the time.
If I expect something to happen and it doesn't happen, it can affect my whole day, my mood and my perception of that situation.
Let me give you an example.....

Valentine's Day 2012...I selfishly EXPECTED Daniel to get me flowers, cook for me and spoil me rotten for the special day as we hadn't had one together ever.  I had a feeling he was planning something, but I just couldn't tell.  I got home from work and Expected flowers or something sweet.  Nothing.  I was disappointed.  My expectations were unfulfilled.  And unfortunately, I expressed it.  Daniel was sweet and said he was sorry and I went to see my client.  I got home from seeing my client and he had the apartment decorated with candles, a fancy meal was made and there were beautiful flowers as well.  Well, shoot....not only was I wrong, I already ruined the special moment by being selfish.  Luckily, Daniel was gracious and happy to have surprised me.  But see what I did?  I let my expectations completely ruin what I already had..an upcoming special moment with him.  So what if he hadn't had something special for me?  I still had him...we still had sweet moments in our relationship.  But, because I thought I deserved it, I was mad when what I expected, almost didn't happen.  

I can think of many other things.....I expect my day to run smoothly at work with everything happening the way I want it....doesn't happen most days.  I expect Daniel to be in a good mood when I'm in a good mood....doesn't always happen.  I expect there to be no bumps in the road....never happens.  
I guess I just keep thinking....Don't I stress myself out more with what I expect than with what actually happens?  If only I could actually sit back and see the clear picture and think, "Anything can happen with this, but I'm OK with whatever."  But that just seems impossible to me at times.  


It seems like the only possible way to achieve happiness in all circumstances is to find a healthy approach to expectations.

Let's see.....Does the world offer me this?  The world tells me that if I want it, I should get it.  And if someone doesn't give it to me, make it happen.  It's my right to have everything I want and if people aren't on board, screw them.  (Excuse the harshness, but it's true, right?)  So, if I'm trying to steer away from selfishness in my responses to the "unchangeables" in life, is this the best answer for me?  

The Bible says....

-And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.  2 Corinthians 9:8

-For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.  Psalm 62:5

-As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.  Philippians 1:20

That last bible verse gets me....eager expectation.  Am I eager to expect things, whether they go my way or not?  And how do you "eagerly expect" something that might be bad?  The verse goes on to say that he has full courage that Christ will be honored in his body, whether life or death.  Wow.  It does take courage to trust that God is going to keep me in all circumstances no matter what.  I know without a fact that Paul got that courage from Jesus Christ alone, because we as humans are just not capable of true courage of the "what ifs" or "Oh my gosh, that just happened" events in our lives.  If you search online for "what if" or type in advice for a situation, you can be guaranteed that you will find people desperately searching for answers of how to deal with the unexpected.  People are crying out for answers out there.  But Paul....during his final days, of which I'm sure he never expected or anticipated, boldly stated that he eagerly expected and hoped in Christ Jesus with courage. 

I think that's the answer to my problem, or dare I say, our problem as a society.  If we eagerly expected the unexpected, whether it be the best day ever or an 'I-need-some-ice-cream-kinda-day," would our responses be different?  More importantly, are we spending enough time with Him to be able to handle all of life's challenges?  He promised us in His Word that He will supply all our needs according to HIS glorious riches.  He might not allow what we think we need, but He is a constant source of hope for us no matter what happens.  

My challenge for this huge issue in my life is to eagerly expect what God is bringing in my life and that will put my hope in Him.  I want to respond to whatever lies ahead with His grace and peace.  And in doing that, I will expect God to do exceedingly and abundantly more than I can ask or think.