Annie’s quiet, predictable, well-organized, day-to-day life has changed dramatically. To her closest friends, she admits: “I just want my life back.”
It’s tempting to reply, “But this is your life!” Not helpful. What Annie misses is the life she expected. Expectations. Don’t we all have expectations of how our lives will unfold? Do you have a list of expectations for your life? Have you also been startled by the unexpected? Addiction among family members? Career disappointments?
Who do we blame when our expectations aren’t realized? God may get the brunt of our frustration. I’m sure that you know the answer to the question, “Do you know how to make God laugh?” That’s right: “Tell God your plans.”
It is important to ask God, “What do you expect of us?” God’s answer: “Love me deeply, love your neighbor fully and don’t forget to love yourself.” God’s expectations for us—not our expectations—lead us to live the best lives of all.
This message is an excerpt from “Whose expectations?” by Susie Gamelin in the May 2018 issue of Gather magazine.
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