Expectations…

I am one of the biggest dreamers/optimists I know but sometimes that can lead to the pitfall of having high expectations. In 12-step programs you’ll hear “expectations are pre-meditated resentments” and resentments are the number one cause of relapse. The wise William Shakespeake put it another way –  “expectation is the root of all heartache.” So how do we dream, plan and hope for the best without having expectations? I believe we do just that – and that the difference is having faith but giving up the outcome. Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel: “And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap…yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies…they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass…how much more will he clothe you, O men of little faith! Do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind. For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things shall be yours as well.” (Luke 12:22-31) For me, Mother’s Day was a prime example of how I had to force myself to give up expectations of my kids – to hope I saw them/heard from them but not “expect” anything – and as a result, how I was pleasantly surprised (in fact, delighted!)  by some but not disappointed in others – and had a wonderful day.  Hope, faith, even dreams but no expectations…sounds like a plan just for today.