Isn’t it true that our expectations are the source of many frustrations and disappointments? And isn’t it true they can sometimes be the hope we hold on to for what’s to come? In my experiences, my expectations often lead me to sin and reveal my selfishness in wanting my own way.
Recently God was gracious to me and allowed me to see this first hand. I had come home after being gone all morning and I had expectations for what I wanted the rest of the day to look like. I had a list in my head of things I wanted to get done and had great expectations for how my two children would nap and behave. Well, as it often goes, my 2 ½ year old and 1 year old did not meet my expectations and in turn, my expectation for how our afternoon would go were not being met. My frustrations grew and grew as my patience dwindled. For a few hours, I allowed myself to continue in this state of selfishness, until my husband suggested I just let go of my expectations and sit on the floor and play with the kids. Wow! What a difference it made. The last few hours of the night before 7pm bedtime were wonderful. We tickled, laughed, read books, danced and I truly enjoyed my children, all because I let go of my expectations and my plans. I repented of my sin and chose to die to myself. And just as Jesus promises when I did that, His joy and peace overcame me. I was able to receive the blessing He had for me, enjoying my family.
So, yet another reminder to me of how God’s way is ALWAYS the best and He delights in giving His children good gifts!
