What in the world do I have to complain about? When I sit down and make a gratitude list, I can easily fill pages of blessings that God’s given me. So why do I get disappointed when things don’t go my way? Because I’m self-centered. Because my needs aren’t met. Because I don’t get the result I fantasize about in my mind. Because I invest more faith in men than trusting God. And perhaps because my expectations are too great.
Not getting what I think I want always comes back to selfishness and the need to revise and manage my expectations. I’m reminded that I need to evaluate my insecurities, as well as my role in contributing to the desired or undesired result. How did my actions and unrealistic expectations create a flow of misinterpretations to my brain?
I’m not suggesting that I shouldn’t ever have expectations about an event or a family gathering or a friendship or relationship or job or whatever it might be. I’m merely saying I need to understand how much “self” influences the reality of the situation and realize the world doesn’t revolve around me and my every desire. My focus should be on pleasing and honoring God and putting others first.
If I were to care more about how another person’s needs might be fulfilled, how to make their day, and how to pour my love out to them, I imagine that my own “Great Expectations” would no longer seem that important. I’ve seen God demonstrate His greatness in mind-blowing ways that have nothing to do with expectations I’ve created. I just have to put self aside and allow Him to do His work in me.
