Navigating Expectations VS. Reality

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
- Proverbs 23:18
 
Sometimes what we expect isn’t what actually happens. Honestly speaking, it seems like things rarely go as planned and most of us are coming to terms with it this year.
 
How many trips, events, or other activities did you have planned for this year that have been cancelled abruptly? How has your vision for the year 2020 compared its reality? Are you dealing with the disappointment of plans that never came to pass? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, I’m right there with you. I’m slowly processing all of the plans that haven’t happened this year. I’m sure that most of us didn’t expect to still be dealing with the pandemic raging out of control this far into the year and yet here we are with the death toll rising daily. But even before COVID-19 showed up, this concept rang true. Much of our disappointment comes from life not matching our goals and plans.

How can we learn to manage our outlook and the resulting emotions when expectations are not met? I believe that this takes a few steps, which might not be easy but are possible with God.

1. PICK YOURSELF UP - Allow yourself to feel the initial disappointment and then pick yourself back up. Disappointment is real. Sadness is real. And these are natural responses to unmet expectations. But make it a priority not wallow in sadness – this can be a negative cycle of low mood and tears that drags on. For this reason, you will need to be intentional about breaking that cycle and fostering positivity.
2. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE – Even when things don’t go as planned, there is a bright side. We still have so much to be thankful for. If you’re reading this right now, that means you’re alive which in itself is a cause for celebration. There are countless blessing to reflect on and thinking about them can improve your outlook.
3. LEARN TO BE FLEXIBILE – Expect the unexpected. Learn how to be flexible and respond to whatever life throws at you. Remind yourself that nothing is promised and that plans can always change. The most flexible people in life tend to be the most content.
4. LEAN ON GOD – This is the MOST important point. Recognize that God’s plans are not always your plans. Pray that He will give you the strength to overcome emotions of disappointment. Know and trust and believe that He is working in the midst of unexpected plans.

 
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
- Romans 8:28
 
Expectation isn’t always reality – life doesn’t always go as planned and that’s okay. God’s presence and love never change. He is working in all situations. He will bring you through the reality successfully and things might end up better than you expected.
 
<3 Beryl

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