Expectations Exchanged for Expectancy

I’m sure you’re well aware that the holidays are basically upon us.

Of course the stores are revving up, television and media formats are doing their thing and we’ve even had a few decent rain storms.

Do you look forward to this time of year?

Or do you give pause and resolve to endure?

Perhaps it is a mixed bag for you…some excitement mixed with apprehension?

Allow me to forward some wisdom I received during a pastor’s retreat for our network held at Twin Lakes Church a few weeks back.

The speaker was talking about the inevitable disappointment that comes with expectations.

Things just don’t turn out like we envision them sometimes.

This is even more true when we have some sort of formula like, “if I do this…then it/they will be this…”.

It is even more dangerous when we insert God into our formulas…like “if I do this, then God will give me this…” type of thinking.

God certainly keeps His promises, but too often I add to those according to my own desires.

Better to be expectant when it comes to the Lord and our lives.

He’s going to act, we just don’t know how, when, what etc… He’s always loving, fair, on-time and more than able. We can expect that.

When it comes to the holidays, we need to check our expectations and live expectantly.

I really hope I have a great time with family, enjoying the festivities inside and outside of our church. I like the food, the warmth and the idea of remembering Jesus’ first coming.

But I can’t expect it to be just the way I want it to be can I? But I can put my trust, hopes and desires in the Lord’s hands and live freely into this season.

I also can put my pains, fears and disappointments in the Lord’s care too.

Some of us will deeply miss loved ones, especially during the holidays. Family conflict can pop up at any time during this season. Financial stress and concern for the future seems to lurk around all the purchasing and the new year changing.

What concerns hit you this time of year?

The encouragement to us pastors at that retreat was to let go of expectations we have (and those put on us by our congregations) that aren’t of the Lord.

Rather, exchange those expectations for trust in the God we can expect to be with us always, providing, guiding and protecting.

A WAY healthier way to live!

I really look forward to spending this next holiday season with you all…expectantly.