Great Expectations

Expectations. To expect something. What does that mean? (And really, the more I say expect and expectations and spell it, the funnier it looks.)

Expect is to look forward (Merriam-Webster). Expectation is to be in the act or state of expecting (Merriam-Webster).

Expectations can be good or bad. Like, what I am expecting work to be like this weekend, or what I am expecting to do on my next vacation. And sometimes what we expect isn't what really happens or occurs when it comes down to it, and often we are disappointed.

Amy is working on a project for the life-sized CandyLand game the youth group is doing tomorrow. She is a fabulous artist with all kinds of talent (I may be her mother, and just a little biased, but she is really good!) and she can come up with drawings/paintings in a matter of hours that amaze me.

So there you have it. My expectations for this project are high because she has set the bar high. Not only are my expectations high, but so are many others who have seen her artwork. And therein lies the problem for Amy.










She is having a hard time coming up with an idea that meets what she thinks the expectations are. She has already scrapped a couple of ideas, even painting over some of what she had already had done. Right now, she is starting over completely, flipping over the board she is working on to come up with something new.

So much concentration...

The first side of the board that she decided not to use...

Okay, so she made this face just for me, but she has looked sad all morning :(

Amy is frustrated by her expectations. She is frustrated by what others are expecting from her. And it is making her unable to enjoy what she normally loves to do.  So, I hugged her and we prayed together because even what seems like small details in life are important to God. 

Then we brainstormed and looked on the internet for ideas and we found something that she thinks will work. Now if she can just keep those expectations under control and just enjoy the process. 

Expectations. Expectations. Expectations. Expectations. 

See what I mean? The more you focus on expectations, the funnier it looks and doesn't make as much sense anymore. Kinda like focusing too much on the real thing. 

And how did the project end? She is still working on it, but it will be at Salisbury School tomorrow for CandyLand (hey, you all can come on over and check it out!). I can tell you that this time around, she is at least looking happy as she works on it.

Love,

Dianne