Definitions of Expectations:
- expectation - belief about (or mental picture of) the future
- expectation - anticipation: anticipating with confidence of fulfillment
I expect a lot. I expect a lot out of myself, others around me, ministries, the church, my family. Do you see how the definition of expectations and my own personal expectations could be a conflict with one another? I tend to place situations on an extremely high pedastool and when my expectations are not met, I get sad. Side note: I am typically never mad, very few occasions will I be angry with someone. I get sad though, my sensitive spirit comes upon me and tears will most likely attend. Lately, I have been in thought about how much this must affect other people. When I expect something, and in return don't receive it . . do I treat others with respect? In reality, these people are completely clueless that I was even "hoping" for something. My daydreams get the best of me, and reality doesn't settle in. Realistically, this is probably the best case for everyone too. I tend to try to control the situation, rather then allow the Lord to use me in his timing.
Almost three weeks ago I traveled to the South to visit some absolutely wonderful people I treasure.
For the few fours days I visited my beautiful sister Amy and Chase Kuhn.
A majority of my life I have seen them as the "perfect couple". I have looked up to them in almost very areas of their lives. Learning, growing, observing, loving, seeking Christ in every aspect of their lives. They want to glorify him in all they do. I have been able to see them do this specifically through there marriage. Admiring them from fifth grade-on, they have set an example for me in love and purity. Amy is now PREGNANT. I cannot explain the absolute joy and thankfulness I have that the Lord has provided them with a beautiful baby.
Traveling through the South I got to go see Kevin Douglas Naylor. I am very lucky to call him my wonderful boyfriend. When I think of my relationship with him I literally just think I am always with my best friend. I never imagined I would be blessed enough with a guy who truly loved the Lord more than anything, who fit my personality, quirky sense of humor and constant love for frozen yogurt. Know me, I of course went to the South with expectations. Knowing, yes, I would be overwhelmed with meeting tons of new people, exciting new sites and everywhere Kev has grown up almost frightened me. I left with all of my expectations blown out of the water. (which in reality does not typically happen.) I left liking him more and understanding him a lot more.
Going hiking was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. I was able to meet some of Kevin's closest friends. Jonathan Cudney and Kristen Allen are two absolutely wonderful people. I felt so at ease with with their personalities. I felt blessed to have such an amazing conversation with Kristen. I love how friendships can be made anywhere, but it's the friendships within the Lord truly last. It's the body of Christ that we need! Friendships in the Lord: honesty, accountability, being prayerful, questions, having the other persons best interest in mind. I felt so blessed that although, yes I was the outsider I was loved by everyone around me. It made me feel very appreciative.
Here are a few of my highlights through some photos. :)
Photos are my friend, as you can see.
Ironically enough, I left feeling more in love with Christ being there. As I had previously stated we went up into the beautiful mountains overlooking parts of North Carolina. I sat on a very large rock looking out unto the waterfalls, massive amount of trees and the sound of birds singing. All I could do was think of Job 38.
"Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that a flood of waters may cover you? Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go and say to you, 'Here we are'" Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given understanding to the mind? Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or can tilt the waterskins of the heavens, when the dust runs into a mass and the clods stick fast together?" job 38:34-38.
Do we not see it?? God has created everything. Absolutely everything. From Riverside, California to Charlotte, North Carolina all the way to Gulu, Uganda. He has created the clouds, rain drops, morning sunrise, mountains, pacific ocean. ME & YOU! As I sat on the beautiful boulder all I could do was sit in awe.
One of my favorite memories was when Kevin and I went to a lovely coffee shop called Amelie's. We sat there for a few hours and just read Genesis out loud to one another. After each chapter we wrote our questions, and then later discussed. It was literally everything I love: coffee, wonderful music, a soft spot for my bootay, reading the word and learning. With this I also learned something that will forever come in handy. HOW TO CORRECTLY READ THE BIBLE. <- funny statement? perhaps it is. But, although I have been to church my entire life I have never understood how to accurately read the Bible.
So I was taught. Here is how I will know be reading the word, along with much zeal because I finally understand it!!
- Read.
- Read AGAIN.
- Observe ( make as many observations as possible)
- Ask two questions:
1. What does this teach me about God?
2. How does this point to Christ?
- Make sure to read the entire context.
- Don't imply!
- When studying a verse, phrase, or word in the Bible, find another verse to back it up. In order that you may have more clarity in your understanding of it.
After being taught this I just sat there. Seriously!!! It's not that I have taken the Bible for granted or always read it incorrectly, but there is so much more truth and understanding when you fully get both WHY we read the Bible and how to do so correctly!
Although I expect a lot and at times with the curse of this I get disappointed. I am learning to just expect that the Lord will reveal his way if I am close to him, serving him, striving to do his WILL in my life. If I expect God to do BIG things, I know he will. If I expect to always be 100% happy and satisfied, I wont be. I understand this. I also understand that I serve a God who loves us all. We are able to experience this if we simply look around. Look at the roses in the garden, the sunset I see to the right of me or simply an amazing friendship that is focused on the Lord. I not only know that God is good, but expect him to do GREAT THINGS.
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