Expectations

Lately, I've been thinking about expectations. Have you ever considered how our expectations color our thinking, our happiness and our lives, to some degree? Sometimes our expectations are totally unrealistic, I mean, through the roof! What happens when these expectations are not realized? We may end up disheartened, disillusioned, even depressed. When our high expectations are not met, we can begin to see everything in a negative light - nothing's good or right. Is that true? More than likely - NOT. Conversely, when my expectations are too low, I am unmotivated and end up not even realizing what could have been. Expectations. How in the world do we keep them exactly where they need to be? Just as with everything else in our life - we can only keep them right with God's help. The Word of God speaks to our expectations. Proverbs 10:28 says: "The hope (expectation) of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish." God knows our thoughts, our motives, our secret desires. If our expectations are centered in Him, and given by Him - they will result in gladness, whatever the outcome. If they are centered in self, in pride, or whatever motive there might be - they will perish. Recently, I got to take ESL training. I have prayed that God would open the door to use me in some way to impact those in our town who do not speak English. My expectations were positive, I think not too high, but also not low. As of today, I have 4 prospective students - Praise the Lord! I am thrilled and I am terrified. I am dependent on Him to fill me and use me. I will let you know how my expectations turn out from here. But right now - my expectations re: this endeavor have resulted in gladness. Expectations. Consider yours...