GREAT EXPECTATIONS

The topic of expectations in life continues to be a challenging concept in individual lives as well as society as a whole. Even though some of you desire or even "expect" to see something on Thursday rather than Friday, life happens and expectations cannot always be lived up to their full pressures, or just the desires that stem from possessing expectations. Despite the fact that we can be let down when expectations refuse to be met, does this mean we place a ban of ever putting expectations out on the table of life? It seems that the idea of possessing expectations has become some kind of detriment or sin within our society. We see it in religious circles, political circles, and in our schools. Expectations seem to be a subject that comes to the surface of conversation frequently and calls for thought and attention, forcing us to consider a proper perspective. Always look forward to dialogue and your thoughts.


GREAT EXPECTATIONS



The topic of expectations in our lives seems to be something of great controversy in life and in relationships. Two opinions seem to hold equal value, but leave doubts as to the certainty of the claims each conveys. One opinion expresses the thought that perhaps it is best to learn not to expect anything out of life or from anyone, which helps avoid great disappointments in one’s life. If allowed, expectations should be kept at the lowest minimum level possible. The second opinion expresses the idea that if expectations, or low expectations become the foundation on which survival in life takes place then life itself or people around us will not rise to the high levels of which they are capable. Can these two opinions coexist in our world despite their differences?



The first opinion that says we should not expect much, if anything at all, in life or from anyone portrays an attitude of defeat. Adopting this mentality or philosophy of life may prevent roller coaster rides and disappointments, allowing us to experience a comfort within a cocoon that is safe, calm, and somewhat un-adventuresome. Some of the people on this side of the controversy tend to be calm and peaceful, accepting of whatever comes into their lives and tend to avoid fighting the could be’s and the should be’s. Others however, require or will only associate with people who will interact with them in this manner, despite the fact that they themselves enjoy the roller coaster rides. They desire to be themselves, but life can be scary enough, and the assurance of acceptance for who they are as a person and their circumstances brings stability and a peace they cannot find anywhere else except in those who live by the no-expectation rule. A third kind of person lives by this philosophy and that tends to be the person who refuses to change as a person. They live life by their own rules, they seem comfortable with themselves as a person, and whether it’s due to laziness or selfishness, resistance to change and refusal to live up to the expectations of others permeates their life. Answers refrain from being easy as to whether this particular philosophy allows us to live our lives to the fullest and greatest potential.



The other option by which to live includes a life full of expectations of one’s own self, in one’s own circumstances, and of others involved in one’s own circle of family and friends. A variety of ups and downs tend to flood the lives of those who choose this lifestyle. When life is good, it is very, very good, but when it is bad, it is horrid. Disappointments become common, but so do the successes and accomplishments achieved. At times, the person who lives by this philosophy conveys instability, restlessness, and an emotional basket case. Recently, talking with several people, the idea of expecting too much, or anything at all in life seems to be almost equally to insanity. Why? Usually the answers lay in the fact that one will not be disappointed, feeling sadness, sorrow, or pain. The question then arises, does this in and of itself not lead to an expectation that a person can and should live in a kind of bubble in which passion and emotions rarely exist?



Expectations reside abundantly whether we like to think we can run from them or not. God has expectations of his people, he expects them to obey and he holds them to high standards. Religions of all kinds hold their followers to high expectations and expect them to follow religious practices. Employers require and expect a certain level of productivity and work ethic of their employees. The general public expects certain qualifications and a certain standard by which public leaders are required to abide by. When we eat at restaurants a standard of cleanliness and health is expected. Schools expect a certain level of productivity from their students. Sports teams expect a high level of performance from their teammates and fans require an even higher level of the players. If God Himself created us in His image, with all the expectations He requires and to which he ask us to live up to, what makes us think we do not need to live up to high standards, or require others to live up to high standards? What causes us to think that we can lower standards or not have any at all? What makes us think that life is ok without expecting anything from life itself, our selves and others? What makes people think that the need to hold people to high standards and encourage them to change for the better should be banned? Or do people really want standards and expectations completely banned? Those that live according to high standards and expect a lot out of life tend to be the people who give the most to life in all capacities and they receive back or reap in abundance what they sow out of their expectations. Why then, would we ask others not to place too many expectations upon us? Why would we request not to be required to live to higher standards? Why would we not desire to be raised up to live to be more than we can be?



Why is it that we can expect so much from others, but we have such a difficult time when others expect anything from us? Or why is it that those who choose to believe that life is easier without any expectations actually do hold many expectations themselves? When others do not live up to our expectations, does it make it right to discontinue having great expectations in life? Maybe we get upset or disappointed when expectations go unfulfilled because we actually desire to control our lives, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and we desire to control other people. The expectations, the successes, the accomplishments, the disappointments, and all the emotions that accompany all of life are not wrong and something to be hidden in the closets of our hearts, rather they are meant to be embraced for what each one has to offer. The responses we provide to great expectations that seem to be dashed at times offer the answers as to why many feel the need to run away and refuse to allow them to be a part of life; all because the outcomes of these expectations cannot be controlled. Because of this inability to control, we throw up our hands in defeat and claim that there is no point in expecting anything anymore out of life.



Society needs high standards. People need great expectations in life, something for which to work, something that will provide a means to success and failures. Even disappointments are to be expected, so why not embrace all that life was meant to give and teach? Yes, we need to accept each other for who God created us to be, but not to the point at which we ignore or rid ourselves o the expectations others place upon us. With discretion and wisdom, a responsibility to consider these expectations and even adopt some of them as our own is ours to uphold. Working alongside others in whatever circumstance calls for an understanding of the diversity that exists that include many points of view, differing ideas, and various opinions, especially when they involve family members, friends, teammates, co-workers, and religious groups, just to name a few. If we learn the willingness to embrace all that expectations encompass, and realize we cannot control the outcomes, life will be one big great expectation to be enjoyed and not feared. Can the two philosophies co-exist? Yes, in that everyone is created differently and each person functions and succeeds at a different level of expectation. However, permeating society, a sense or loss for great expectations floods nations, communities, and households. People are not challenged to live to their full potential and rise to levels beyond their imaginations. Thus, many live in a cocoon they create for themselves and never break out to become the magnificent and beautiful creatures they were meant to become. Sure, the two opinions can co-exist, but which one will offer more to us individually? Which one will offer more to those around us? Which one will offer more to our world? May we all choose Great Expectations by which to live, and not allow fear of disappointment, or even the fear of disappointing, be the base for which we hide from living by Great Expectations