I want to start out by saying, only our God can “do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”

How many times do we set ourselves up for disappointment, by not having realistic expectations? Or even still, by wanting everything in life to be just as we imagined?

An example in point here. When, my husband and I traveled, I was always the person who planned the details of the trip. In planning, I would begin to develop some pretty big expectations of what this trip would look like: by the things I read of other people’s experiences and what I discovered on my own. Sadly, in the end the trip fell far short of what I had imagined. I honestly felt pretty let down. It was not anyone’s fault; but my own.

I talked to the Lord about this. I discovered I was trying to make this trip, the places we would go, something that they were not. The Lord showed me, that I should let the beauty and uniqueness of these places speak for themselves. Now as I look at places and in turn even people; I see them! I don’t try to make them something they are not; but enjoy them for what they are!

I remember we once camped outside Jackson, Wy in the Tetons. Such a beautiful and refreshing area. In town we were in a shop. It was quite busy. We were talking to the clerk about the area. I told her, thank you, for sharing your town with us. I am sure you get tired of all us tourists. She said, we have no problem with the tourists, it’s the people that visit and then decide to stay here. They say they love the area, but when they move here, they try to change us and make us what they want.

Wow. How many times do we try to make things into what we want: in situations, with relationships, even with our God. It becomes a one-sided affair, and yet life is really a two-way street. Sadly for many, life has become all about them! This is the way of the world; but it is not the way of the Lord.

My husband and I were friends long before we were married and we both loved and served the Lord. When we got closer, my husband told me right out, I don’t need anyone to wash my clothes or keep my house. What I do need, is someone who will walk beside me and be what God wants them to be. That was one of the greatest gifts my husband ever gave me. This was also a selfless act of love.

That put me on a journey of discovery! I was looking for an example I could follow but looking in all the wrong places. How many times in jobs, situations and in relationships; do we try to fit the bill, be what is expected, or rather what others expect of us. The Lord finally got through to me. The only example I should follow is to be like Him. That didn’t mean giving up the uniqueness of who I am or my personality! In being like him I understood I was to walk in His character and virtues.

When we look at relationships with others, our relationship with our Lord and God becomes clearer. He is not trying to change the beauty and uniqueness of who we are; but rather to work out our rough areas. I used to joke with my husband, I can’t help it that you are square, when you are supposed to be round. Just my way of saying, God put me here to help make us better.

There are so many today who are drawn to someone because they are special. They get serious with this person. Sadly, they soon forget, what was so special about them in the first place, because they are so busy trying to form them into something that they want. This is not to say, that there are not things in our life that we all could do better in, or that we need to change. Our love for one another will help us to work those things out.

There are two things we can do with our love! We can nurture it, so it will grow and bloom; or we can allow it to grow cold. This goes for our relationship with our Lord. We need to grow together in love. Love gets choked through unrealistic expectations. It dies when we allow the things of the world to take the place of what is really important. Personally, I don’t need things. Yes, things of course, that are necessary! The things however that I value: our love, trust, and faithfulness.

I pray today, that in every situation and relationship, our Lord opens our eyes to see things and one another, as He sees them. O’ Lord, let us cherish what is precious: your love and our love for one another! Lord, help us to put our expectation in you and your goodness and not be led off by what the world dangles in our face. Teach us to esteem what is good and to grow in grace and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.