Amy J. Bennett

Extraordinary Faith for Everyday Life

Expectations

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Wednesday night was spent on the large part doing two things.  One, I went to the gym with Melissa to struggle through Week 4.  Two, I recorded a Friday Night Lights podcast with Kaitlin and the hosts of another FNL podcast.  You might not think those things were related at all but I found one common theme: expectations.

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I think I figured out that C25K is even harder than I thought this week because I truly expected that each week would be very doable, comfortable even.  I thought they’d work us up slowly enough that it would seem easy as we went.  In fact, week 3 actually did seem a little easy.  But as I talked to Melissa and read a little on it, it appears that every workout is doable, but it WILL push my body.  So I think if I step back and look at the fact that it has been both doable and challenging and that it will continue to challenge me every step, I can brace myself for the run better.  I didn’t expect a challenge, but I got it and I can do it.

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You don’t have to watch Friday Night Lights to get this but we were doing reviews of several new characters.  And for one of them, I had high expectations. I expected a full-on bad boy with a lot of grit and push-back.  But for me, he didn’t live up to those expectations.  He’s much more compliant and warm-hearted than I imagined.  I expected one character and got another.  But it’s ok.   I think I’m going to like this new person they’ve created.

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Both of these things rolled around in my head right before drifting off to sleep last night and I realized how expectations relate to life.  Maybe you got something you didn’t expect or maybe you didn’t get something you expected.  Can anyone relate to a missed promotion, an unexpected sickness, blissful marriage, unruly children, the loss of a friend?  But while you’re in it, if you take a step back and take your expectations out of the equation and look at what’s in front of you, it’s ok.  Maybe you need to see what’s in front of you for what it is and not what it should have been.  I think you’ll find it’s a lot easier to deal with.  It won’t change it but maybe it will change your perspective.  Perhaps you can become more appreciative even though it’s not what you wanted?  Prepared for what’s to come?  Accepting of the past?  And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find it’s better than expected.

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I can’t think of a better day other than the first of a New Year to take stock, evaluate and maybe shift some perspectives.  And no matter what our expectations were, we all have something to be thankful for from 2009.

For me, today is going to be a day to appreciate all God’s blessings this past year and to be hopeful for what He has in store for 2010.  Things I can always expect and never be disappointed in His love, mercy and grace. May we all experience it richly in 2010.

Happy New Year!

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  1. Thanks for this blog. The last two paragraphs really meant something to me and so…I wanted to share with you a quote from a book I’m reading that got me really thinking last night as I was about to go to bed, myself.

    “One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself or anyone else is inspiration. Inspiration to get in touch with your dreams. Inspiration to seek out your deepest passions. Inspiration to make a difference in the world, a diffence that only we can make. It is not about success, but about significance, not about making a living, its about making a life. Its not about fame or acclaim, but about contribution and service. Instead of asking “What can I get from life?” watch what happens when you ask “What can I give?” (I’m going to go forward with 2010 asking myself the question of “What can I give” ) “Throughout your life there’s a voice that only we can hear, its a call to the true value of your life-a call to make a difference that only you can make. If you never hear it, something magical will be lost. But, if you hear it and head it, then your life will become a a wonderful romance and adventure. Not is the time to Jump in, Make a splash and Change the world”

    For me, looking back on this past year, when I helped at the Christmas Boutique and some other aspects, the Christmas Boutique, made me realize how much I love helping others and really think that is my gift from above. I have a passion for it. Sometimes I think my heart is too big and sometimes people take advantage of me because of it but that will not stop me from caring, loving, being compassionate and trying to make a difference. Thanks for your posts Amy. The last two paragraphs of your blog really took what I read and was thinking about last night an took it a step further. Thanks so much for being the awesome and inspiring person that you are. Love you and your family. Have a Happy New Year.