BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

Romans 8:28

We know that in everything, God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

As a child, I was taller than the average Filipino kid. At Grade 5, I am already at 5’4”. No wonder they tapped me to join the basketball league in my school. They thought that I can play really good. They were excited to see me play. In my first game, I was caught doing nothing inside “the paint” for three seconds (3-second rule) during our first ball possession. And I did it two more times before I understood what the rule is. After the first game, my score is zero together with zero rebounds and four fouls. In the next game, I was just used sparingly, if not at all. They have high expectations… and they felt that I have failed them.

In our life, we tend to expect more from someone or something good based on first impressions. We would befriend fair-complexioned person because he would be rich. Men would be better managers than ladies. Choose Pizza Hut than Shakey’s, “dahil mas class ang dating” (because it exudes more class). Marry a handsome guy or a lovely woman. In the end, when our choice fails to meet our expectations, we become disappointed, disgusted, with that person or thing. But in reality, we become frustrated with ourselves.

Almighty Father, teach me to be contented. Teach me to appreciate everything and everyone that You have given and provided me. Moreover, if anything does not go well – based on how I look at it, and not based on what You want – teach me to trust in You, for You are a faithful God.

Oh Lord, our trust is in You, forever. Grant us the patience and the ability to accept the consequences of our choices. May we forever be grateful for all the blessings that You have given us. May we see true beauty in everything we have and everyone we love, for they are part of the plan You have laid out for each of us.

“Whenever I make choices,I always expect something good to come out of it;
So I chose You, My Lord, for You are the best that can ever happen to me.”

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.