Expectations

Expectations

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

IT HAPPENED FOR SEVERAL YEARS while my husband and I were raising our small children. I would look forward to a family vacation or weekend away with much anticipation, dreaming of all the fun we’d have and how much relaxation we needed, only to be frustrated by my kids’ constant fighting, the dishes that still needed washing, and the food that still needed to be cooked.

Life felt very similar, only transported to a new location. Vacations weren’t all that I had hoped for, and I would often end up disgruntled with my family and upset that things hadn’t gone as I’d hoped.

After one disappointing vacation, even though I was embarrassed to admit it, I decided to tell a friend what had really happened. I was ashamed, especially because I didn’t want to sound like I wasn’t grateful for our time away. My friend listened to my frustration, saying that she understood but that I probably needed to learn to adjust my expectations. She explained that she had had a similar experience and once she’d changed her expectations, her whole mindset changed.

I thought about what she said and decided I needed to adjust my expectations. I have found that I get along much better with my husband and children during our times away. I no longer daydream of some picturesque view of my family not fighting or whining while they tell me they’re bored. Now, I look forward to our times away as a family, knowing that we may have some rough moments but enjoying the memories we can make together.

Unrealistic expectations can come in so many ways, often when we don’t even realize we’re doing it. Our expectations, especially in relationships, can allow for disappointment when we don’t see and love people, with all their lovely and not-so-lovely traits. As Christians we are encouraged to be content with what we have. Some expectations may turn out as we’d hoped, other expectations may never be met, and many may simply need to be adjusted so we are content.

Lord, show me any area of my life where I may be holding on to unrealistic expectations and help me change so that I can be content. Amen.

-Kendra

One Good Step: Think about an area of life you’ve been frustrated with and see if it’s partially due to unrealistic expectations. What changes could be made so that you could be content?