Expectations

Expectation: To be filled with anticipation and confidence that something hoped for will happen.

Have you ever gone to watch a movie that you had high hopes for only to leave feeling disappointed?  I have found that the best movie experiences I have ever had are when I don't have any expectations at all.  I simply show up and enjoy the show.

Life is full of expectations.  Every single person carries with them hopes and dreams.  Some expectations are met and may go above and beyond what we had ever hoped. While some may let us down; and if we are not careful, those expectations may lead us down a path of shattered dreams.

It is important to clearly communicate what it is that we expect... from ourselves, from our spouse, from our children, from our family and friends, from our boss and coworkers... the list goes on.  This allows for frustration, miscommunication and any expectations that may be unrealistic or unattainable to be snuffed out.

So how do we handle unmet expectations?  With grace.  It helps to keep in mind that all have fallen short. That none of us are perfect.  There is only one person in this world that I am certain I can place my highest expectation and never be disappointed.  It's not in myself, in others, or in my circumstances. It's in Christ alone.

My hope is built on nothing less.

And my God will supply 

every need of yours

according to his riches 

in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Listen: Cornerstone by Hillsong

Dare not compare

Not that we dare to classify or

compare ourselves with

some of those who

are commending themselves. 

But when they measure themselves by

one another and compare themselves

with one another,

they are without understanding.

2 Corinthians 10:12 

The lives of others may inspire me; however, their successes or lack thereof, is not what determines or defines my self-worth or value. Nothing steals my joy and contentment quicker than the pitfall of comparing myself with others.  It leaves me feeling inadequate, insecure and discontent. Jealous. Envious. Bitter. And sometimes it's even the other way around.  Feeling superior. Thinking of myself better than others. Judgmental.  Either way, it's a dangerous and destructive path.  Neither one of which God has chosen for me.

God has paved a road for each one of us to follow that is completely different than anyone else's.  We do not know all of the curves, the ups, the downs, the twists and turns that the other person has had to walk to get them to where they are today. Nor do we know where God will call them to... and what gifts, talents and abilities will be given to them in order to help them along the way.  Knowing that helps me understand how useless it is to compare myself with others.

So what is at the root of comparing?  Possibly the need for approval and acceptance from others?  If that is the case, then it is time to stop comparing and start looking for approval from the only One who is worthy to give it.

Whatever you do,

work at it with all your heart

as working for the Lord, not for men.

Since you know that you

will receive an inheritance

from the Lord as a reward.

It is the Lord you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24

And as we live our lives pleasing Him and Him alone, I believe we will be too preoccupied to compare. It's in him that I find true joy and satisfaction. He's enough.

Listen: Christ is Enough, by Hillsong Live