As I mentioned in my last rambling, I still have another one started that’s not yet finished and the time is still not right for that one to be completed. While riding the past several weeks another thought process started so that’s what I’m rambling on this time to share with you.
We live in a world full of expectations. Some of those expectations may be realistic and some may not be. Some of us probably expect too much from ourselves and others while some of us maybe have decided not to expect much at all and that way we won’t be disappointed. Whatever the case may be, we all have some level of expectations based on our own past and current experiences.
Recently when I stopped in to see my mother and father in law while riding, we were discussing how different people do and expect different things and that some of that is based on “quirks ” that we may have. We all have our own little quirks or ways we do things and although we may expect everyone to do things that way, they may not. I can assure you I have plenty of quirks my hubby has to deal with and yet he loves me anyway🤣🤣. It’s important that we understand that what we see as a realistic expectation in our mind is not necessarily the same in someone else’s mind. There are uncertainties associated with those quirks and expectations and we cannot let them consume or define us. Flexibility is key if you are going to live a happy life.
I’ve read many articles, stories, and posts by people, as well as knowing some folks personally, who definitely don’t see it that way; it’s their way or it’s wrong. I’ve seen many who complain that their family member or spouse/mate just doesn’t do enough or contribute enough to satisfy them. My thought is if you’re fortunate enough to have a special someone in your life and/or close family members/friends, then be thankful to have them and don’t worry about whether they do or don’t do as much as you’d like. If we were alone we would have to do it all and have nobody to share anything with, so instead be thankful to have them and appreciate whatever help they do offer. With the state of affairs in our country and world the way it is, maybe they’re doing the best they can and that should be enough. It’s become more acceptable to criticize than to appreciate and to me that is truly sad.
If you listen to or look at anything from the main stream media and social platforms today, within less than a minute you’ll see exactly what I’m saying. Reality is not being presented to the public through either of these routes. We are being “fed” what others choose. I have intentionally not followed all of this mess from them, this past year especially, and I will not.
My expectations come from only one source and He has never changed. As uncertain as things can seem, He has it covered. There were many who thought Jesus too had quirks, but it didn’t alter how He presented Himself nor should it alter us. We were made in His image and He expects us to follow Him, regardless of how others see us or what they tell us we should do.
There is no reason to fear the future as long as we are focused on Him, not the world.
John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
I’ve learned some new things this past year that I may not have learned if had been a “typical” year and for that I am thankful. Staying focused on what can be done to bring more peace to your life when times are uncertain can be so rewarding. We each have the opportunity to choose how we will respond to expectations, others’ quirks, and to the uncertainties of life. We can let it take control of us and cause us fear and anxiety or we can take control of it; choose joy and peace, and learn new things. As we approach Thanksgiving here in the U.S.A, I am thankful for my family and my small circle of true friends and as crazy as it may seem I’m thankful for what this year has taught me. Not all of the lessons have been easy, but they have all played a part in making me who I am. When the world tries to turn your life upside down, take it to the cross, to the only one who can truly make a way when there seems to be none.
I’ve heard the group Leeland sing a song called “Way Maker” and these are some of the words to it:
You are here, moving in our midst, I worship you.
You are here, working in this place, I worship you.
You are way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness, My God that is who you are.
You are here, touching every heart, I worship you.
You are here, healing every heart, I worship you.
You are here, turning lives around, I worship you.
You are here and you are mending every heart, I worship you.
Even when I don’t see it, you are working.
Even when I don’t feel it, you are working.
You never stop, no you never stop working.
His name is above-
His name is above depression,
His name is above loneliness,
His name is above disease,
His name is above cancer,
His name is above every other name
Yes it is.
That is who you are Jesus.
You are way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness, My God that is who you are.
Ramblings of a Christian Grandma Biker 