expectations.

“The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations.”

what a great thought to keep in mind! lately the topic of EXPECTATION has been presented before me again and again- and i do believe for good reason. So much of the disillusionment i undergo is a result of the dreaming and unrealistic nature of the expectations I had (& do) set up for my life and for "where I would be by now", etc,etc. we all do it to some degree. i think the optimist, dreamer,artist-types like myself do this more than most. . . how it can burn us!

One of the articles that fell into my lap in the past few weeks was this one about an artist named Dave Barnes: He talks about how he deals with expectations of life.

“I’ve been very blessed but still struggle with a head full of dreams," he shares. "Be it good, be it bad, what do we do when we don’t get what we expected?”

"What really blows my mind is that every day is a constant invitation from God, for us to participate is His will for our lives," he says. "Yet something that the devil loves to do is to pull us into thinking that there's just that one chance, that one choice, and when you've made that choice you've made it for the rest of your life. And the beauty of what God says is, 'No! Every second of every moment, of every day, of every year of your life, I'm inviting you to do this, and You can participate or not.' Every moment God gives us is another chance," he concludes.

ahhh, i'll conclude with one of the other GREAT pieces of literature that came to mind in the past week from the fourth chapter of Philippians:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. "