Dear Peace Families,
In Lent we follow Jesus on the 40 day journey to the cross and beyond. During the season, many Christians have traditionally given up something—things like coffee or desserts—sacrificing something they love for 40 days, acknowledging that Jesus sacrificed even more for us. Over the next several weeks, I’ll continue offering suggestions for things we might give up—though there won’t be anything tangible mentioned.
This week, I propose giving up uncommunicated expectations.
We all have expectations—expectations for ourselves, expectations for others, expectations for our day, expectations for special events, and more. It’s a wonderful feeling when we set high expectations, and the people around us rise to them. It’s great when things go just how we hoped they would. It’s fantastic when our expectations are exceeded!
But it’s hard when we fall short of our expectations, and it hurts when others fall short of the expectations we had for them. These things are all natural parts of life. But the most important part of expectations is that they are communicated.
Why? Because uncommunicated expectations will only lead to resentment.
If you don’t tell your partner the things you expect of them in your relationship, they will always fall short. If you don’t tell your kids the expectations of your household, they are bound to break the rules. If you don’t share your expectations for how you manage your time and work/life balance, everyone will always ask more of you.
Whether it’s at home, at work, or in any other setting or relationship, you will only find yourself resenting people if you do not communicate your expectations for them. And sure, when you do communicate them, there is still a chance of falling short—but at least they have a chance to meet or exceed those expectations too. Life is easier and our hearts are lighter when we communicate with others, especially when it comes to our expectations.
Grace and Peace,
Joe
One additional note: Tickets will be on sale starting this Sunday, March 12 after worship for the Peace Pancake Breakfast which will be held on Sunday, March 26. Tickets are $5 for individuals and $20 for families and can also be purchased the day of the breakfast. All proceeds will go to reducing costs for our youth who will be traveling to Chicago in June for a service trip.
Family Tip of the Week
What expectations do you have for the people around you? Do they know those expectations exist? Spend time talking with the important people in your life about the expectations you have for one another and for that relationship, and discuss how you can help one another meet and exceed those expectations.