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Expectation is the root of all heartache.
William Shakespeare

Comments

  1. Pam...June 22, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Very true. Expectations get us into so much trouble! We 'expect' babies to be born on due dates, and then are anxious when they aren't; but who said they would be? Did God?
    We expect reward for our efforts, kindness back for kindness, and fair treatment. Yet we shouldn't. Jesus didn't expect. He delighted in his father's will instead. We should do likewise.

    Though things seem and mess, and it's just not right, we can always exchange our burdens, longings, and 'expectations' for God's--trusting. He gets us. That's all that matters.

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    1. JohannaJune 22, 2012 at 5:41 PM

      If we keep our expectations a little lower we'll certainly be in for a nice surprise when and if they're met, I suppose :)

      Yes, trusting God for things and being grateful could go a long ways :)

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  2. CassandraJune 23, 2012 at 6:56 AM

    That is both a true and depressing sentiment. I don't think all expectation is bad, but it may be better to call it "hope." But unrealistic expectation, or expectation revolving around other human beings, are destined to bring heartache at some point. I know I'm not perfect at keeping promises or fulfilling people's desires for me. So I have to give grace to other people that they can/will fail as well. Hmmm... heavy thoughts.

    May you have a blessed Sabbath! :)

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  3. JohannaJune 23, 2012 at 4:16 PM

    Yes, Cassandra, this quote bothered me so much when I first heard it yesterday, that I went and found an article on the topic. It's the unrealisic expectations that get us. If we didn't have those kinds of expectations, then we wouldn't be hurt as much, but there are times when it's okay to have expectations--especially when claiming God's promises in faith.

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  4. Pam...June 23, 2012 at 7:12 PM

    Me again!
    Yes, you are right Johanna. We can always expect God to come through. Yet that doesn't mean it will always go the way we wanted it to. We can always gird ourselves up in his promises. And He is faithful. And even if we don't see his hand, we can trust his heart.

    Perhaps Shakespeare meant that heartache is the extreme disappointment that follows something that we expected, but it didn't come to pass. Oh, I suppose we could lower our expectations. Sometimes I tend to do that. But the Bible does say 'hope deferred maketh the heart sick". I can sure see that.

    So maybe if we fully trust and hope and have all our expectations in HIM alone; laying it at his feet and taking on His peace. Anticipating humbly what He will do and forgetting what we would do. Maybe that is the thing he would have us do? I'm just working out this journey with you, friend.

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    1. JohannaJune 24, 2012 at 1:23 PM

      Hey Pam! Love this comment of yours!!! Makes perfect sense! I totally think you've hit the nail on the head. Thank you!!

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