Replacing Harmful Expectations with Divine Peace

Harmful expectations impede the growth of a soul. Impractical demands placed on both ourselves and other people lead to unhappiness and a life devoid of happiness. Though we could feign a smile out of habit, our true happiness is dependent on how other people see us. We become self-absorbed when our emotional diet consists primarily of what other people think of us. Therefore, we fight to find a peace from imperfect individuals or a fictional utopia. A spirit that is insecure feels overwhelmed and lost. We therefore pray to God to replace our negative expectations with good ones.

People have different healthy expectations based on their current circumstances and past interactions. As a result, astute couples take the time to talk about what they need from one other. It could be essential for both parents to stay at home with preschoolers in order to take care of them and provide mutual assistance during mealtimes and before bed. Respectful collaboration at work makes it clear what each person's role is in a project. Clarity leads to communication. A follow-up memo summarizing the discussion is a helpful way to manage expectations. Healthy standards at work protect our jobs, our well-being, and ensure that everyone moves at the same pace.

It suggests that we cede to God total authority over our identities. Everything that we have—life, death, health, family, friends, work, money, regrets from the past, difficulties from the present, fears for the future, and yes, expectations—is given to Jesus. The things we give the Lord are secure; the things we cling to are not. With God's assistance, we can go above and beyond what people might ever expect when we love and serve others in line with God's plan. Everyone is happy!

Meanwhile, while we depend on God alone to provide our needs and fulfill our dreams, we also grow to have high expectations. Accepting us as we are and bringing us nearer to the heart of His son Jesus is what our heavenly Father wants. He is really pleased to supply us exactly what we need when we ask for it. Furthermore, it is true that He uses the power of His Spirit to bring people into our lives who distribute grace. But ultimately, we place our trust in God. He will, we pray, give us the grace to provide grace to those who need us. Good expectations flow from our hearts when we find our happiness in Christ alone.