Expectations are “planned disappointments.”
Think about it. If we go into any given situation with high expectations of what should happen, we set ourselves up for disappointment if we don’t get the expected outcome.
I am really good at this. I am trying not to be.
It’s one of the things I used to drink over—if it didn’t turn out how I expected (or wanted it to.) I was constantly setting myself up for failure. What a great excuse to check out.
On the other hand, when you put your trust and faith in God, you can “expect” that He will be with you at all times—bad and good. God loves us and only wants what is best for us, which means in trials or blessings. We need to expect that God knows what He is doing :)))
How do I stop my brain from expecting what I want and to stay in God’s will?
First, if I go into a situation with my mind all set one way, I am not open to anything else. I am shut down to many possibilities. My arms are crossed. My brain is shut down and closed. It is a vulnerable place to be. Anything can and will happen that is out of my control. I am always Powerless.
Oh yeah, I am a control freak. Forgot that part.
So, I have to consciously go into whatever is next with an open mind. Literally saying, “I am ready for this experience and will accept the outcome, whatever that is.”
Pray. Trust God for the outcome. I don’t have to like it, I get to look for the gifts along the way in the experience—because there are many.
If I am not looking for the lessons and gifts, I am expecting what I want or what I THINK I want. I have to train my brain to relax and open my eyes to what might be there for me to find.
Gifts.
When you learn to live without expectations, everything is a gift.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17
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