A sure expectation

First of all, I'm sorry for being such a flaky blogger. I have things to write down sometimes but they always come to me at the most random times, like when I'm making dinner, or giving the kids a bath, or putting them to bed. So when I sit down to write what was on my mind I usually can't remember exactly what it was, I know, sounds like I have attention deficit disorder or something. Maybe I do. Anyway, I was able to capture my thoughts this time!

Expectations are sneaky things, many times they build up in my mind or heart without my being aware that they are even there. I was thinking about expectations because I had expected that the summer season would have ended by now, and that fall (my favorite season) would be well under way now that it's the beginning of October. Having spent the afternoon at the beach today with Tim and the kids, all of us in our swim suits (it's the first time that I've worn my swim suit this far along in a pregnancy and that felt kind of funny!), I think its safe to say that summer has become that guest that though was welcomed at first, overstays their welcome and leaves you with no choice but to grudgingly accommodate them. So as I contemplate all of the lovely things I associate with fall and how it doesn't feel right to commence making spiced lattes or pumpkin bread (if I ever find any pumpkins) while it's still warm enough to have beach days I can't help but feel a little disappointed in the season's changing lack of prompt timing.
The weather however, is something of a bit lighter nature than some of the things I find myself disappointed in. Things more serious such as expectations in ministry, others and the most dangerous of all, expectations in myself, have all let me down at some point. As it says in Proverbs, "hope differed makes the heart sick," I've learned that there are many things that I need to guard my heart against and to examine the motives behind the hopes I may have. But as I said before, expectations are sneaky little things and it is so easy to get caught up in the possibilities of tomorrow.
I do have a sure hope though, an expectation that is safe to build my life on. As the old hymn goes, "on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.". Sometimes I need to be reminded to be content in the present circumstances, or to see the future through the lens of surrender. The only way that I am able to give up to Him those things that my heart might be prone to depend on is by reminding myself that the way Jesus does things is exceedingly abundantly above all that I could ever ask or imagine. It may take longer, and not turn out to be what I had thought, but Jesus always does things better, accomplishing along the way so many things that I would never have dreamed of.
.

My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us
Psalm 62:5-8