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Expectations and Appreciation

I have a dear friend who happens to be a phenomenal bible teacher. I remember years ago she made the comment to all of us one Valentine's Day, " Expect nothing, appreciate everything". She was talking about the expectations we, as wives, can put on our husbands on gift giving holidays such as Valentine's Day. This has stuck with me and not just for Valentines Day or other holidays but in the day to day stuff too. The day to day things in life.

I can't say I don't have expectations. I do. But I am learning to truly appreciate everything. Even the disappointment and turn of events that the unexpected brings. I had expectations when we left Arizona for the unknown in the Windy City. I had expectations again when we uprooted a few months later to the East Coast. And of course, I have expectations for the next adventure that waits for us in Texas. 

I appreciate every bit of this journey so far. I have done and seen some awesome things, met some great people and grown a lot from this incredible experience.  What an opportunity to see and do so much. That is a bonus. And I am very thankful!  But it has not been easy. Following Jesus is simple but not always easy. When He leads me where I want to go it's easy. Oh, but rarely does He do that. You know why? Because He knows better than I do what I need. My own expectations are what I want or think I need. He knows exactly what I need today that will produce who He wants me to be tomorrow. 

Each place on this journey has been a pit stop along the way. There is purpose in it and nothing was wasted. Just because all of my expectations weren't met doesn't mean His purpose for me wasn't fulfilled. I trust that and I appreciate it more than I ever thought I could. Every time He calls me out, I cry, then I  say " Ok, God, I will follow you". He has proven Himself trust worthy. He is good and His purpose is good. I know that because I have seen it. 

He calls us to live for Him with expectation! Expectation to see what He will do in the lives of those who live completely surrendered to Him. I am expecting nothing but the best from Him today and I will appreciate whatever He gives me. 

~Pressing On 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
Psalm 143:10 NIV

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28 NLT

Comments

  1. Shari KelleyJuly 5, 2016 at 8:43 PM

    Such a great post as always, Connie! I love the part where you said a lot of times he doesn't give us what we want, "Because he knows better than I do what I need." Sometimes that is hard to remember, but deep down I know it is true. I especially appreciated Psalm 143:10 as well. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ConnieJuly 7, 2016 at 4:52 AM

    Thank you for your encouragement Shari.

    ReplyDelete

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