Holidays are full of expectations. I expect everything to be perfect, nice, full of joy. I long for family members to get along and to feel loved. I want the table to look just right and the food to be yummy. I expect to see the smiles on the faces of those around me and hear the giggles and glee of my grandkids.
I long to experience the wonder and awe of that first Christmas too. To hear the angels in all their glory singing. To kneel with the Wise Men and worship the newborn King. To cuddle the Prince of Peace in my arms and my heart as Mary did. To rest knowing Jesus has arrived and will come again.
Expectations can be both good and bad, but are part of our human nature and a relevant Advent theme to ponder.
Expectations
I read the other day that expectations were “premeditated disappointments.” When we focus on too high, unrealistic, and far long-off possibilities and dreams, our hopes are often dashed.
When I cling too tightly on how I see things and assume how others will respond is when expectations crash into pieces. When I hold them lightly with fists unclenched, new life emerges.
It seems to me that expectations are both fragile and yet give strength to persevere.
Expectations give me courage too. They energize my faith to keep going. Even when I don’t see the final destination or know exactly how things well turn out, I continue to move forward.
I have learned as I journey through the ups and downs of life with my ever present companion called expectations, that when I am tempted to give up, I am called then to wait and at some point, God will surprise me. God’s expectations exceed my imagination.
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The world never expected the Messiah to be born a child to poor unknown parents in a middle of nowhere. But God knew what he was doing and the world hasn’t’ been the same since.
Advent Expectation Quotes
Here are a few quotes about expectations to fuel your ponderings and prayers. Interesting as I researched these quotes, I had a hard time finding quotes about the positive side of having expectations. Most were negative and almost angry, obviously written from a place of disappointment and hurt. Keeping our expectations on God makes all the difference in the outcome.
God is good. Everything He does is good and wonderful. Everything God gives and offers is greater than what the devil offers, so shouldn’t our expectations come from God? God wants to do something outrageously wonderful in your life every moment of every day. But you have to be ready and expect it to happen.
Joyce Meyer
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We find what we expect to find, and we receive what we ask for.
Elbert Hubbard
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“Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.”
― Brandon Sanderson
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“A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect.”
― Jonathan Lockwood Huie
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You must not expect anything from others. It’s you, of yourself, of whom you must ask a lot. Only from oneself has one the right to ask everything and anything. This way it’s up to you – your own choices – what you get from others remains a present, a gift.
Albert Schweitzer
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We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aid, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn.
Henry David Thoreau
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What does Advent expectations or just the word expectation mean to you? How to you keep positive expectations this time of year or throughout the year? Let’s talk about expectations.
I created a free Advent Resource guide. You can download it here: https://healthyspirituality.org/advent
And you may be interested in my Christmas book, Christmas Seasonings, 101 Quotes and Prayers to Flavor the Holiday. And I would love, if you read it, to leave a review.
Thanks so much.
I’m thinking that when I set my Christmas expectations too high they tend to be self-centered. I want others to behave perfectly, I want conversations to be engaging, I want a Norman Rockwell atmosphere, etc. My focus needs to be on what I can do to meet others’ expectations: be on MY best behavior, be an attentive listener and astute questioner in conversation, create an atmosphere of peace and joy for others. Lord, help me meet those (reasonable!) expectations of others!
Me too when it comes to expectations, Nancy – this is why the image of holding them lightly works for me, well most of the time. I think I will always have expectations but like you continue to hold them in prayer. Hope all is well with you!
I walk a thin line with expectations. Expect too much and I’ll get disappointed. Expect too little and I may miss out on a blessing. These quotes are good for finding that balance!
Me too on walking the thin line with expectations. That is why the image of holding them lightly helps me. I think there will always be a part of me – I am an optimist you know ( : Those quotes blew me away reading through I bet 100’s of them – so many negative and anger ones to find some positive ones. Shows how deep the hurt of expectations rules our emotions. Thanks for commenting, Lisa
Such a thoughtful look at expectations, Jean. We all have them, don’t we? I love the idea of not holding them too tightly, but allowing God’s will to play out in all things. We can always expect the unexpected from the Lord! Blessings!
I know the image, Martha of holding them lightly helped me. I still have them but don’t rely on expectation as much. Less emotional ties to them, I guess. I smiled when you wrote expect the unexpected – I almost wrote that ling in the post too!
I learned / decided a long time ago that I am only responsible for myself and my actions. I’m not responsible for what others may or may not do. Less stressful. Good book on this subject and how to pick yourself up is “Rising Strong” by Renee Brown.
Love Brene Brown’s writing and especially enjoy her Ted Talks. Yes I have Rising Strong and you are right, a very good book and agree much less stressful when we are responsible just for ourselves. Good thought, Irene. Thanks for commenting.