Expectations vs. Living Expectantly....

My Daddy (John Kellogg) was in town recently. He shared something that became a revelation to me. My last profile update on facebook summed it up.

"Best Day in a very long time! Eyes back on Jesus and off of me! Like I said in my last post....
Working on giving up my expectations yet living expectantly w/ anticipation as to what God is doing & will do.
Ps. 34 says, "He witholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly." He is Good! I am in Expectant Rest seeing His Kingdom come & walking in Joy and Peace bringing Life to those around me! Ha! Wonderful Day!"

All of a sudden I love my husband and children more freely because my Happiness and Identity are not tied up in what they do or don't do. It was weird, I found myself being more loving and affectionate with my family and it is releasing them to be themselves and to love me in return.

I believe my expectations are reasonable but that is not even the point. If my happiness and well being are connected to other peoples actions, I will be in constant emotional flux. But if my hope is in the Prince of Peace, the Rock, I am steadfast. As my eyes are set on Jesus, even in a storm I can walk on water and rejoice.

Expectancy in Jesus is not "whatever will be will be" or fatalism. Rest and peace come from trust in a Good God who loves me and cares about every detail of my life.

And, I still share with my kids what wisdom I might have about a situation but I release them to make their own decision before the Lord. I can share with Fred my needs and desires but I can be settled in my spirit and mind whether he is able to meet my "needs" or not. Somehow it seems to be releasing Fred to love me and care for me in a different way. I have to say, I was in a deep pit and going down hill from there so this has been a breath of fresh air for me and for Fred and the rest of my family and those who are close to me.

Romans 8:6 sums it up well:

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

At any given moment (especially if I am not walking in life and peace) I can do a little check....is my mind set on the flesh, either mine or someone else's? Do I have unmet expectation or am I expectantly setting my mind on the Spirit. Try it for yourself and experience His Life and Peace in the "daily stuff" that makes up "real life".