Expectations. We all have them. Some are big, some are small, and some we don’t even think about. Do you expect to take your next breath? Did you think about breathing? Probably not. We have expectations about relationships, jobs, income, the future, and on and on.

There’s nothing wrong with having expectations as long as they are healthy. Maybe the biggest problem with expectations is when they are unrealistic. When expectations are based mainly on emotions, we tend to overlook facts. We simply want what we want, and we expect everything and everyone to give us what we want.

Let me briefly share an experience I recently had. Some others, and I have been talking about how we can start gardening and growing trees to feed livestock and replenish the forest. This is all pretty new to me, but I’m excited about the possibilities. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit and talk with a young couple who are already doing this and doing well. They shared with us and took us on a tour of the area of their property where this was being done. I can only say that I caught the bug (vision). I got really excited and started planning in my own head how to pull the trigger and start this new journey. My EXPECTATIONS went through the roof. Good? Not so good. In fact, it was bad and soon became ugly. I was being totally unrealistic.

First, I failed to consider the others who would need to agree and be involved. Second, I didn’t stop to think about the amount of time and money that would be needed just to begin. I could continue, but it would just get uglier. After presenting my “decision” to the others, it was rejected. Not total rejection as in say NO WAY. It was more like a “That’s great, but…” sort of rejection. Expectations dashed, it was time for me to be depressed and mope around. Continue the ugly.

After the Lord brought me back to my senses, I thought about what had happened. I can’t say that I found specific scriptures saying “Thou shalt not have expectations.” I did look. But I believe that the Spirit brought some things to mind that would probably be good guidelines for the future.

1. Where was God? No, no. I’m not saying that He wasn’t there. I’m asking if I even considered talking to Him about what I was thinking? The Spirit keeps pushing this passage at me. I guess since He keeps doing it, maybe I should listen and share it.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”  James 4:13-15

1. Is it realistic? Sometimes my philosophy is “My mind is made up. Don’t confuse me with the facts.” The Bible does have some things to say about seeking wise counsel. (Proverbs 11:14,13:10, 15:22, 19:20, 27:17) And this one really hits home. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a person who listens to advice is wise.” Proverbs 12:15

1. Consider others before yourself. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 When others are part of your plan, talk to them first.

What healthy expectations can I have? Trust in God and all His promises.

Do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)