Unfulfilled Expectations….

6/22/10 ….are expectations sometimes imposed by others sometimes self-inflicted. An acquaintance might casually say, “Let’s get together soon.” A lonely person might cling to that only to be disappointed. “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick:” Proverbs 13:12a. Or as one ages, the reality of some hopes on her “bucket list” no longer being attainable can also bring disappointment. A sadness of sorts. Though “Miss Berta” learned to water ski in her 80s, most folks reach physical limitations as they age and begin realizing that certain physical feats are now beyond them.

One might have to give up the expectation of reading all the books he/she once vowed to read or traveling to all those “10001 places to see before you die” mandate given by those who do travel.
We can assume (though wrongly) that life will always be perfect/easy if we do all the “right things”. Then, comes the reality/loss---often it’s the loss of those false assumptions or unrealistic expectations. Judith Viorst wrote an entire book on change and adaptation---necessary for different seasons in our lives. Necessary Losses: the Loves, Illusions, Dependencies, and Impossible Expectations That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Grow. (Even to grow up spiritually, I think.)

These past few weeks I have been striving for perfection in a world of messy imperfections and have had several “come aparts.” I had to give it up and grow up. I had to give up those self-imposed expectations, which really were unrealistic, and once again learn to live in the moment. I want to be fulfilled and realistic. I want to give up my pride--- E.G.O. is edging God out---and live up to His expectations. Remember the verse from Micah 6: 8 where we are told His expectations? And what does the LORD require of you 
but to do justice, to love kindness,
 And to walk humbly with your God?
Now that’s realistic!

♪♪♪ SINGING ♪♪♪

8/22/09 Singing, not dancing, what’s up??
Words like overwhelmed and fatigue or phrases like “rest stop needed” or “gotta dance” seemed destined to dominate this morning’s blog entry. But God……(as I sat with Bible open to John 15, seeking to abide in Him, and devotionals on my lap) led me to the need to sing---with me that’s more like a joyful noise. “Sing for joy in the Lord…Sing praises to Him…Sing to Him a new song." (Psalm 33:1-3)
"God, what direction are you trying to take me?" Focus on self needs to change---that seemed to be the answer.
Song is good for that. There was too much of me---EGO---self-absorption about my pain, my problems, my suffering, etc. EGO is an acronym for Edges God Out. When I edge Him out, I allow fear, which is a lack of trust, to creep in.
Today’s Jesus Calling said, “view trials as exercises to develop your trust-muscles” and concluded with “sing praises to Me.” God Calling reminded me to, “Learn from My Life of the suffering that saves others. So, you will sing in your pain.” I’ve asked the Lord to put a “new song” in my heart.
That’s where I am this morning, where are you?

1I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD (Psalm 40:1-3)