Welcome my friend, come on in & join me in a cuppa, a treat & a time of reflection together. Recently, I’ve been reminded how expectations can build, often unrealistically, if they’re not aligned with wise tempering.

So I thought we would examine this topic today for I know many on this planet, at some point in their lives, have been tempted to build expectations around relationships, their circumstances or coming events. Only to be greatly disappointed when those expectations are not met.

Before we continue grab yourself a cuppa, a treat & get comfy. I’m sipping a Russian Caravan Tea blend today with a gf Passionfruit Shortbread Melt, what are you having?

Today it’s much cooler here on the east coast of Australia as it’s been raining (which was greatly welcomed after our hot, dry Summer).

So we’re sitting in my dining room looking out across our Autumn garden with it’s Pink, yellow & white Frangipanis still in bloom, beautiful Crepe Myrtles with delightful bunches of pink & our Bougainvillea offering blooms of pink, white & green at it’s tips.

Setting the Scene

There’s a Family gathering coming up, this event is very important to me because it’s deeply personal & nostalgic.

It involves sweet memories from childhood but it’s also to honour my late Mum & Dad because since their passing our family hasn’t had the opportunity to gather together to celebrate their lives.

So I’ve invited my immediate family members to join me for this very special time (eighteen of us in all), which will take place over a three day weekend.

I’ve set the theme as a time to ‘Celebrate the Generations’ of our family ~ those members who have just passed, those who are present & the little ones who have just arrived.

My greatest hope is that it’s a time of love, joy, harmony & creating sweet memories. That will be held precious long after I’ve left this planet.

The location for the weekend is in a little Seaside Village that holds special memories of our big family gatherings when I was growing up.

In fact I have a photo of myself sitting on the beach with my great Grandmother when I was two years old. Which I thought would be cute to replicate with my great grandsons (of course weather, tides & toddlers permitting).

Sweet Memories

The beach holds sweet memories of my father trying to teach me to body surf in the Waves of the Pacific Ocean, something he loved to do, of which I was a total flop at! Lol!

And my great Aunt & Uncle teaching my sister & I how to fish with a line & rod from the beach, luring fat sea worms out of the sand beforehand to entice the fish of which I didn’t catch any!

I also remember the great time my sister & I had in the waves, thinking it was the best time of our lives. And I can still vividly remember my paternal Grandmother who loved the beach, sun baking & a dip in the ocean, sitting on her beach towel nearby watching us closely.

There were fun family dinners, BBQ’s & sitting around a firepit at night with cousins. It really was a wonderful time to jusy Breathe & enjoy each others company.

Managing My own Expectations

This event has been in the planning for many months now. As I sent out the invitation last year because I knew the logistics wouldn’t be easy to organise with everyone, as some of our families need to travel from interstate.

At the moment, leading up to this special event my excitement is growing. However what I also realise is that in reality my hopes may not pan out.

As I know that when different personalities, temperaments & lifestyles come together, especially in families the weekend may not play out as I hope (expect).

I recently voiced to one family member that I don’t have any expectations for this coming event, but on reflection I do! As highlighted above;

My greatest hope is that it’s a time of love, joy, harmony & creating sweet memories. That are held precious, long after I’ve left this planet.

Hope’s meaning is;

…an optimistic state of mind, desire or expectation that positive outcomes will happen in the future.

A great deal of prayer is going into this coming event, that our time together on this very special “Celebrating Generations” weekend will be a blessing for all.

However, my focus;

“And now, Lord, for what do I expectantly wait? My hope [my confident expectation] is in You.” Psalm 39:7 AMP

You see our loved ones may have a lot going on in their lives, at any given time, that we may not be privileged to. And as my wise husband said, they may not experience events in the same manner at the time.

So rather than placing any expectations on those who are graciously gathering for this event, my hope is in my Heavenly Father knowing that His Holy Spirit is working.

Do you get carried away with your expectations my friend? How do you temper them?

Until next time,

Jennifer

You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook

or in Prayer

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