Unrealistic Expectations

On Thursday, Dylan and Dasia attended a gymnastics class at a new place.  Dasia had already taken classes at another facility, but this was Dylan's very first class.  Dylan will be three in July and Dasia will be five.  Dasia's class went great!  She enjoyed it and did what the instructor asked of her.

Dylan's class was a mommy and me format.  Until a few minutes into the class, I completely thought that Dylan would behave perfectly.  I expected that he would sit still, wait in line, and do only what was asked of him.  Seriously, this is how my mind typically works.  It's not that I always expect positive things, I think I have unrealistic expectations for how daily life will take place. 

So, he wasn't that bad, but he didn't want to do everything that the instructor asked him to do.  He really wanted to play on some of the nearby equipment.  He laid down on the floor and said he was too tired.  Due to my unrealistic expectations going into the class, I felt overwhelmed.  Looking back, I would have felt better if I had previously considered that the class may not go perfectly.  Remember, Dylan is two and this was not only his first experience with gymnastics, but also his first classroom experience.

What does this have to do with God?  Everything!  Sometimes, we have unrealistic expectations of God.  We may expect Him to answer our prayers faster than He does.  We may expect to have no or very little difficulties in our lives as we walk with God.  We may expect God to deliver us from a situation and instead He asks us to walk through it.  We may expect God to provide a new job and instead He leaves us at our current one.  (This last one happened to me.  I looked for a new job for almost eight years while I was "left" at the current one!)

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Life simply will not go as planned!  We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.  Proverbs 16:9 I have tried for years to make it work and it just does not.  Many times, my stress is just a result of life not occurring as I expected.  If this is you, join me in asking the Lord to change you and help you "see" that it is ok when everything does not fall perfectly into place.  God loves you and wants you to have a blessed life!  Stress is not blessed!  Let Him set you free by renewing your mind in this area.  

We can gather our thoughts, but the LORD gives the right answer.  Proverbs 16:1