Expectation

Hope for the best and expect the worst. This is what we said when we chose to adopt children with traumatic pasts. It sounds negative, but it’s reality.

I’m learning that expectations kill relationships and hope feeds them. When I set expectations, I set my children up for failure. When I have hope, I speak positively. I feed them with desire. I also accept them where they’re at.

I discovered early in marriage that if I expected my husband to clean while I was gone, I would be greatly disappointed. If, however, I hoped he would clean but expected him not to (and chose to happily love him regardless), I would be pleasantly surprised if my hope was fulfilled.

For hope looks for success in the future and expectation wants it now.

What do you feed your relationships? Are you expecting someone to meet your standards or are you hoping they will grow?

And while you weigh the importance of your expectations, will you please pray for the hope of this family?

Thank you for visiting today. Don’t forget to visit the book review and leave a comment for the giveaway!

http://twitter.com/AleneSnodgrass Alene Snodgrass

Love this!!! Someone once told me “when you place expectations upon someone – you are setting them up to fail!” That’s so powerful, but oh so true.

http://positivelyalene.com
http://www.not-just-a-name.blogspot.com/ Sherrey Meyer

Expectations set for others can be very dangerous and disappointing. Expectations set for ourselves are also a dangerous zone to enter. You have said beautifully what we all need to hear and live daily. Praying for Amelia!
http://www.oneblessedlady.com/ Jamie @ One Blessed Lady

Oh, it’s so true! Those expectations can be killers! Are we women more prone to that, I wonder. Probably not, but maybe we vocalize them more than men do. Of course, we vocalize them more. We vocalize everything more.

I’m so glad you’re going to Allume! I’ll be there, too and I hope I’ll get to meet you! (but not expect?)
http://sylvrpen.com/ Sylvia R

I didn’t even write about “expectations” because I didn’t want to think about the ones I once had and got disappointed. I know how bad expectations of others can be, but your adding “hope for the best” keeps the future in beautiful perspective! I’ll have to remember this!
http://www.redemptionsbeauty.com/ Shelly Miller

You’re so right. I spent many days crying in the first years of marriage because of my expectations on him that he didn’t even know existed. Thankfully, I got over it. Expectancy is so much better than expectation. Have a great weekend Tereasa.
http://denisejhughes.com/ Denise J. Hughes

I’d love to hear more about your adoption story! (I’ve always wanted to adopt. I’m still hoping and praying that it will happen someday soon.)

Great thoughts here on the difference between expectations and hope. Love it!
- MTereasa
  
  Oh, sweet friend, I used to write about adoption exclusively. That was so long ago. Maybe, someday I’ll share bits and pieces here. I will tell you this. Adoption is a wonderful blessing! It does not come without heartache, but it is worth it. I’d love to answer any questions you might have.