I recently finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. I was caught by an excerpt on expectancy and expectations:"...if you and I are friends, there is an expectancy that exists within our relationship. When we see each other or are apart, there is expectancy of being together, of laughing and talking. That expectancy has no concrete definition; it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else. But what happens if I change that 'expectancy' to an 'expectation' - spoken or unspoken? Suddenly, law has entered into our relationship. You are now expected to perform in a way that meets my expectations. Our living friendship rapidly deteriorates into a dead thing with rules and requirements. It is no longer about you and me, but about what friends are supposed to do, or the responsibilities of a good friend."
In the novel, God uses this dynamic when describing the main character's relationship in faith.
I find myself living with a lot of expectations. This week I started a new job and this summer I plan to get married. Expectancy is empowering, motivating, inspirational. Expectation is strict, unimaginative, limited. Is expectancy sustainable in societal institutions and long term relationships?
2 comments:
Good luck with your new job!!
If we had no expectations just think of how much fun live might be :) Full of surprises and fewer disappointments! Congrats on the new job.
Love,
Mom
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