There are very few days where I would not give an awful lot to have two parents who love me. However, that is not the case. We do not always get want we want in life . . . or what we deserve. We then are given a choice: we can either live only within the disappointment of what we believe is owed to us by others and a Higher Being, or we can move past our expectations. By moving past our expectations of what we should have in life we are able to see the beauty, grace and mercy that God has given us in ways we might never have expected.
I think it often our own selfish expectations of what should or should not be that keep us from living a happy full life. It is not that we have been cosmically jipped and therefore cannot truly experience the depth of life. Usually it is what we do not expect that surpasses our original desires, and expectations.
I could stay mad for quite some time because I drew the short-straw in the father lottery, or I could move past my expectation of having two loving parents and into the knowledge of those that do care about me. I may not have two loving parents, but my mom is one of my best friends. I doubt very many people are able to accurately make that statement at my age, or any age for that matter. I also may not have hundreds of friends, but those that I do have would stick with me no matter what – always desiring my best interest, rather than some silly drama game they decided to create. Another statement that I sadly doubt the majority of people could make at any age.
Rarely does anyone end up with the 2-story house with the white picket fence, 2.5 kids, a dog and pearls – the perfect life. Life is not about getting what we expect and for some reason think we deserve. It is much more about taking the hand we have all been given and learning to live from there.
I cannot control the choices of others (as much as I wish I could some days). I must learn to live with their choices and hope that they are able to do the same. However, I do get to make my choices one of which is perception and another of which is attitude. The latter is discussed in every stereotypical quote and while true I will trust your previous knowledge on that subject will suffice (at least for now).
The key is in perception. I can perceive my life ruined, because the house does not come with the white picket fence, or I can realize that I have the kindest neighbors in the world. The fence would have only kept neighbors away, while the lack of fence allows me to cultivate a meaningful relationship. Same coin, two sides.
When we allow ourselves to move past the hurt of disappointment and lost expectations, it is then that we can truly see the blessings in our life for what they are.
Do yourself (and those around you) a favor: Stop holding on to expectations in life of what is owed to you, and rather enjoy the life you have been given – good and bad.
“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.”
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