“Achievement is largely the product of aspiration and expectation.”  Jack Nicklaus

Do you expect tomorrow to be any different than today?  Why do you say that?

Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.  (Psa. 5:3; NLT)

Last week, I wrote a DG titled “Expectations Can Be Dangerous.”  It turned out to be a post that I received several compliments on, both on the web site and via Facebook and Twitter.  But even as I hit the publish button last week, I was having some second thoughts — something was not quite right.

Today’s post is not to retract anything that I said in the previous article.  As I read it again, there is only one phrase in the whole article that I might reword.  The phrase, “Expectations, inherently dangerous by themselves…” is what triggered my feelings of uncertainty about my post.  I was bothered by that because I’ve learned over the last several years that expectations are good and necessary.  It’s when we factor in the complexity of relationships that they become “inherently” dangerous.

While driving to visit Sharon’s Mother last weekend we listened to a couple of teachings on our mp3 player that resolved this issue in my mind.  The speaker was Pastor Keith Moore who said that he had learned years ago that “When it comes to people, I’m going to expect nothing and be thankful for everything.”  He went on to say that “When it comes to what other people would or could or should do for us, do not allow yourself to presume anything.  Then you won’t be disappointed when they don’t do it.  But you’ll be surprised and thankful when they do.”  Great advice!

On the other hand, as Jack Nicklaus implied in his quote above, nobody could rise to new heights in any endeavor if they did not believe they could do it and expect to do it (whatever “it” is).  Can you imagine a pro golfer lining up a putt and expecting to miss?  I guarantee he’ll miss the shot.  What about planting a garden?  Why bother if all you expect is weeds?  When you leave in you car, do you expect to arrive at your destination safely?  Would you even try if you didn’t expect the intended outcome?

Earl Nightingale said, “Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations.”  It has also been said that since your expectations create your outcomes, it would be a good idea to have great expectations.  Oral Roberts is famous for his “Something good is about to happen to you!”  So there is definitely a bit of tension here.  Expectations are good and necessary, but great caution is required when applied to the actions of other people.

I would love to have some of you comment on this tension about expectations.  What is your view?  BTW, I’m not ready to be dogmatic, but I do feel more comfortable with this new understanding.

Prayer Power
Father, we are so grateful for all the good things that You bless us with on a continuous basis.  Forgive us for all the times when we focus on what’s wrong rather than what’s right.

Link of the Day
High expectations foster success

Blessings on you as you expect to have your best weekend ever.

Photo by tony_the_bald_eagle

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