I read a quote recently that really impressed me. I don’t make New year’s resolutions, but the end of the year is a perfect time for a bit of reflection. Homeschooling has finished for the year and I try to take a break from making classes and just be peaceful and restful. With this gear change comes thoughts of what I did well during the year and what I could have done better.
The quote was “Have high hopes and low expectations“.
At first glance, it may seem a little defeatist. But something that 43 years on this earth has taught me is that life is a roller coaster. Many wonderful things happen and there are many, often bitter disappointments.
I don’t think it’s life that needs to change though. I think it’s the way we look at it that needs altering. If we expect that everything will be always rosy, we are kind of like spoiled little brats who never experienced a hardship.
Have you ever visited an impoverished country or area? Do the people go about with gloomy faces? Are they angry at life… or at God? No, they have something that many of us in our wealthier society have lost and forgotten.
They have little.
When you have so little, you appreciate what you do have. And you are grateful for anything extra that comes your way. Your life is simple. You have clothing, shelter and food for today – then you have everything you need and you are thankful. You have hopes that life may improve, but you are content to live simply.
So, I’m making this quote my motto for 2020.
My hopes are high. I hope this year that all of my family are happy and have good health. I hope that my business grows and that I can make my Online Weaving School even better. I hope I get lots of time to weave and learn. I hope that my husband’s back injury may improve. I hope that we can meet all of our financial responsibilities. I hope that we can finally make our move to the country. I hope that we have a great homeschooling year. I hope that my understanding of my faith will increase. I hope that I can love and serve God better than ever before.
And I will try to expect nothing.
There is a big difference between hoping for the best and expecting the best. One makes us joyful – the other miserable. One is a freedom, the other a slavery to our own thoughts and desires.
So tell me friends, is this something that you struggle with too? (oh yes, this is a huge struggle for me!) Share your hopes in the comments below!
Until next time…
Happy Weaving!
Hoping you and your family are far away from the fires we are hearing about in U.S. news casts!
And hoping to finish at least 3 weaving projects this year – 2 as gifts and 1 for me :). Rec’d beautiful yarn for Christmas – fun and work still to come. Happy New Year!
Thanks for your concern – we are not near the fires thankfully. Enjoy your new yarns!
I worked as a Realtor for fifteen years. One of my mottos was hope for the best but anticipate the worst. That way I was not surprised or disappointed when things went wrong. I was always prepared to tackle challenges. Now that I’m retired I find that motto still needs to be remembered. Even everyday life can bring new , unexpected, challenges. It’s how we handle them and live our lives that will determine whether we are happy or not.
Very true!
I used to preach that Hope carried two rewards:
The first was the privilege of carrying Hope.
The second were the benefits of that Hope coming to fruition.
And both rewards were gifts from God.
Bless you and your family as you enter the new year.
I used to preach that Hope carried two rewards:
The first was the privilege of carrying Hope.
The second were the benefits of that Hope coming to fruition.
And both rewards were gifts from God.
Bless you and your family as you enter the new year.
That’s beautiful Annec!
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen”. Hebrews 11:1
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things will be given to you.” Matthew 6:33
“God works all things together for the good to those who love Him, to those who are the called according to His purposes.” Romans 8:28
Just a few scripture to meditate on for peace in the new year. God is sovereign over everything in our lives as believers. God bless you and thank you for your wonderful ministry of teaching. With love and gratitude! Kathy.
Thank you Kathy, I have gotten out of the habit of reading the bible daily – I must get back to it!
That’s a very good idea! It’s impossible when we rely on ourselves. See John 15:5. Happy new year!
Great post, Kelly.
Reminded me of “It’s our expectations of others that hurts us.” If I can learn to accept others as they are my relationship with them will be more peaceful and I will feel less hurt by them.
Hard to do at times.
Very hard. But true.
Thank you for this blog. I too have slow down some this time of year and it was much needed. I look forward to the new year with hope also. I had a psychology professor once tell me that we have so many decisions that have to be made that many time we just get overwhelmed. I truly believe he is correct! Thank you!
Absolutely, life can be very overwhelming at times!