What Do You Expect?

There are certain events in our lives that have expectations attached. For instance, on my birthday, I expect somebody to wish me a happy birthday and at the least to receive a card. At Christmas, I expect to get something special from Tami. On our anniversary each year, I expect to hear those special words from Tami that reassure me that she loves me. What events happen in your life where you have expectations?

Just as I have expectations in other areas of life, there are also expectations in my spiritual life. When I come to worship I expect to sense God’s presence. The Bible reassures me that His presence will be there, but what attitude do I bring that will allow God into my life? If I’m not careful I can come to a service consumed by the details of life, which can occupy the entire time set aside to worship with my church family. These distractions can be of great importance or simply things I’m looking forward to in life. In a few weeks we will have our first Couples Breakaway, and I’m consumed with preparations for it—writing, reading, talking to Tami and the staff, wanting to create the perfect weekend because it’s important to me. It has consumed most of my free time and until it finishes it will always be on my mind. Along with that, several other things have occupied my thoughts and time, such as evenings out with friends and family, projects around the house, and just finding time to relax. I’ve learned that I can accomplish all of these things if I learn how to create balance and best utilize my time. I will be ready for the breakaway, I do have special times to spend with family and friends, and I am getting projects done around the house as well as relaxing and being refreshed. When I go to church on Sundays, I have expectations. I anticipate sensing God’s presence in my life, I plan to learn something new that I can apply to my life as a part of His family, and I expect to feel the love of my Christian family.

What I’ve learned through the years is this, and it’s key for meeting your expectations of a service: If I expect nothing then I’ll most likely experience nothing. However, if I expect those things I wrote about, then I’ll open up my life and focus on what God has planned for me in that service. I’ll find everything fulfilled that I pray for and desire.