Expectations

SUN., OCT. 31, 1982, 9:30 AM
WESTMINSTER CHURCH, DETROIT

It is a strange hour for this meditation, o son, but the time is available, and when the time is provided you are ready for instruction. Your expectations are nearly always positive. You are basically a good servant in this aspect of life to which I call you.

Yet you know (and you do know) that expectations in the earth life are not always realistic. You can expect and anticipate the nature of some event, and the actual result is, as measured against the expectations, disappointing. The converse also occurs… when you expect little you may experience much. Does that mean that expectations are not useful… should be eschewed? Not at all.

Expectations can be holistic, involving the total being (even groups of which the individual is a part). So expectations can have a definite spiritual quality, and this makes them of concern to Me. Also expectations are a part of being fully human, and that’s certainly what humans should be… fully. When you have this chance to be in the earth, take full advantage of it. And this means, of course, being the person you are, with the spiritual maturity you have, in the culture that is yours for this segment of life.

What of the spiritual aspects of expectations. You know the fundamental nature of the spirit, which is that it is more concerned with the good of others and with service to Me than with fulfillment of your own personal needs and wants. The spirit affects expectations so that the needs of others become more important than expectations for self. This, then, requires an acceptance… a real acceptance… of the fact that expectations are always subject to change as these previously unknown needs of others are revealed and experienced. You commenced this meditation in a place you expected to be unoccupied for this hour. It soon became obvious that others were making your expectation untenable. It was right, then, that you accepted that and moved to this less occupied space. Perhaps you shall move again. Be not concerned. I am with you for this time, wherever the place. This is an expectation you can count on, because it does involve Me directly.

Expectations are part of the rhythm of life. With few and puny expectations there is less disappointment, but also a flatter, shallower rhythm. With mighty, unrealistic expectations there can be great disappointment, unless the spirit is strong. For, you see, even if the needs of others seem to be stymied, there always is the sense in which My Will is being worked out, even if you don’t understand how in the moment.

Does this mean that the “ideal rhythm” is one of moderate expectations, “not too hot and not too cold”? You know this is not a pattern for all. I do not desire that all should be alike. There is no “ideal rhythm” for all. There even is no ideal for an individual, at all times, under all circumstances.