Expectations vs Wishes

Yesterday I talked about my attitude flip. It had been the same day that I was feeling frustrated in so many ways. I think “pile up” kinds of things can be the worst. Lots of little things that feel “off” just build and build until you feel so icky.

I used to just say “I’m having a bad day.” and let that be the tone for the day. But, I realized I am not willing to give up a whole day to being “bad” and so quite a few years ago I stopped saying nonsense like that.

However, I do notice a lot of times the mounting stresses of life and oftentimes look to people or circumstances for the reason I feel that way. I realize more and more, though, that it is often my expectations that are the cause. As Pastor Seth pointed out, there is a difference between an expectation and a wish. And expectation is a mutually accepted understanding between 2 people. If I expect my kids to keep the bathroom cleaned up but I haven’t outlined what that means or communicated with them about that and then I get mad that they don’t, well, that’s my fault. If I tell them, they understand and then don’t follow through, then they will know the natural consequences but I don’t need to be frustrated by it.

So many things can be attributed to expectations. If I expect WAY too much of myself each day, then of course I am going to be frustrated. If I expect people out in social media land to act a certain way but they have entirely different perspectives/pain/personal struggles, then I am setting myself up for being let down over and over.

When I realize that, I can step back from myself for a moment and ask myself if my expectations are realistic. If not, how can I make them realistic. For example, if I expect myself to do an hour of God time, stretching, workout, and write a message every morning before my work starts for the day, I would have to get up at 3am to jam it all in. Instead, if I realize I’m expecting way too much of myself but I still want to put those things into my day, what can I do? I can do 20 minutes of God time, pray while stretching, workout at lunch and write my messages to post ahead of time (I currently keep mental notes of topics and write a few messages all at once during my “On Fire Fit” work time and then schedule them for posting.)

“I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with My eyes as your guide.” Psalm 32:9 TPT

I think we minimize how practical God will be with us in our path for life. He guides through giving us the ability to personally reflect, adjust and move forward. He gives insight into things that are causing us to feel stuck or frustrated.

It is so much better when we adjust our expectations and listen to a healthy way to live, letting God lead and guide each step of the way!