Can Unmet Expectations Be a Blessing?

Most people will never write an autobiography of their lives because their lives are too ordinary to capture the interest of those who buy books. However, each phase of life can be anything but ordinary. God intended for each person to master specific tasks in their ordinary lives.

What can create a crisis for adults are important expectations which never come to fruition. If unmet expectations are contributing to your lack of self-fulfillment and happiness, perhaps now is the appropriate moment to be honest with yourself and ask the Lord God to help you change your expectations.

It takes tremendous resilience and determination to successfully change what you expect from God, others, and yourself. Be realistic about what God has provided for you from your birth forward, then be thankful and celebrate. Listen to Ephesians 6:10: “Build your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.” Begin now. 

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Let your roots grow deep into [Christ], and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.  

~Colossians 2:7 New Living Translation

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Does an Attitude of Gratitude Have to Be Taught?

Parents want to give their children the best they can afford, believing it will help their self-esteem by creating a positive self image. Do indulged children appreciate what they’re given? Have you witnessed children ripping through mounds of gifts and never uttering, “Thank you”? An attitude of gratitude has to be taught throughout childhood.

A four-year-old girl knocked on a neighbor’s door and cheerfully said, “Trick or treat!”  When the neighbor dropped candy into her bag, the child protested, “I don’t like that kind.” The child’s mother quickly ordered her child to say, “Thank you.” The mother was teaching her child to be courteous and show gratitude.

Proverbs 31 demonstrates how a woman can succeed in business, as a wife, and in being a mother. “She is clothed with strength and dignity...Her children demonstrate appreciation and gratitude.” So do not grow weary or cease to give thanks to the Lord, especially for the opportunity to teach your children how to be appreciative.                   

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Keep your roots deep in [Christ], and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.

~Colossians 2:7 Good News Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.