Expectations vs. Reality
I struggle will managing reality vs. expectations constantly. When my second child was born… shew! expectations went out the window. I was constantly feeling out of control and overwhelmed because I didn’t know how to handle my TWO bundles of joy and still need to do laundry & dishes & meals and all of what my new life was encompassed.
Expectations: perfect, happy family, where everyone gets along all the time and I’m not sleep deprived and still need to take care of a toddler, there’s no jealousy or laundry to deal with…
Reality: I. was. so. wrong!
It’s amazing that God brings us messages just when we need them. This Peter Crone podcast reminded me that life is uncontrollable by its very nature. Water is wet. Fire is hot. Life is uncontrollable. I had to let go of, release, the should/could/would/have to/’s of my thinking in order to enjoy life again. I was drowning in unrealistic expectations. It was like try to swim carrying a hundred pound weight. I have to remind myself constantly to… sing it with me… Let it go, LET IT GOOOO! It’s liberating. It’s freedom.
What I can control is being flexible in life, not so rigid in my plans, and the “shoulds” and “musts” and “have tos” can melt away.
It’s been a really hard year. I realized just how much I need to release my grip on things. I can make plans but when the plans don’t work out, then what? Do I get angry? frustrated? or can I release the plans and try something different. Maybe it will work out better than planned.
Quotes:
“There is nothing either good nor bad but only thinking that makes it so.” Shakespeare
“Who would you be in the absence of all of your concerns?” Peter Crone
What if I am ok? If I’m not “not ok”, then who am I? Who does God say I am? Who do I want to be?
There is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ! Romans 8:1 If Christ isn’t condemning me, then it’s time to stop condemning myself as well.
Don’t you worry about anything. Instead pray about anything and tell God what you need and thank Him for what he has done. And the peace of God that’s beyond what we can understand will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-8