What Do You Expect?

When the unexpected happens, make the most of what you are given. Treat the moment as a blessing and watch how your life changes.

I have spent the last couple days at home, not by choice. You see, life throws us curveballs, things happen that are well beyond our control. I needed to trust in God, trust the process, wait in faith and hope everything would be alright.

As much as I wanted to go about my daily routine at work, it was highly suggested I get tested. I didn’t feel anything other than the seasonal weather changes, cooler air, molds, dust, plants decomposing and preparing for winter, not to mention being out hunting in the rain for nearly two hours, in addition to having my menstrual cycle, things needing to be done at work among other things. The point is, I’ve had a lot of things going on in my life (and I’m sure you probably do too!) 

The thought of these being possible symptoms of Covid-19 crossed my mind, but my heart told me otherwise. This is how my body pretty much responds making the transition into a new season. 

I needed to have some peace of mind. This not only impacts myself but many other people as well. Besides, I was unable to go to work until I received word of having “negative” results.

In the meantime, I knew I needed to make the most of my day. There must be a reason for this happening, I said to myself.

I spoke to God and told Him I would make the most of the day.

I would do my best to make my home more pleasing and inviting to Him.

I wanted so much to make Him proud, do all that I could to love and serve Him by tending to my home. 

Post-it-Notes served as great places to write notes of things to do. Have a vision, goals of what I hoped to accomplish while being given this time alone. As much as I wanted to sit and take the time to just be in His presence, I spoke with Him while accomplishing so many tasks. Cleaning became more enjoyable, fun.

Like the Energizer Bunny, I went from one task to another. Upstairs, downstairs and in-between. The only time I sat down during the day was for 20 minutes when I ate lunch and then another 20 minutes for dinner. Up and at it again. I wanted to be as productive as I possibly could. 

As I was cleaning, I reminded myself God sees me. He knows my worth. He knows I have the best of intentions.

Several areas of the house were in much need of cleaning, going through, organizing and throwing a few things out. I knew all things were possible through the strength, mindfulness, focus, energy and motivation God had given me. 

All of my hard work, I wondered if anyone would notice all the manual labor (of love) that had been done to clean and disinfect the dining room table and chairs, floor, and countertops. Would anyone notice how clean the carpet floors were after vacuuming? Furniture was rearranged in both the living room and family room. Surely this would get noticed if nothing else would (and it did).

Over the years, I have struggled with the expectations I put on other people. I expect them to respond in a way that notices all the hard work, effort and energy put forth into cleaning, doing tasks in and around the house among other things. I expect them to appreciate things in life like I do.

Knowing my mind is a powerful tool, I did my best to pep myself up and not be disappointed in the response (or lack of response and acknowledgement). This was a doozie for me. I tried to keep this peaceful, let it be what it will be and just accept it for what it is and will be. Unfortunately, the child within me cried out, expressing the words internally, 

Look at me!

I am proud of what I accomplished, aren’t you?

Just say something, an affirmation you noticed my hard work!

How hard is it to give a compliment?

I really didn’t want to hear a complaint about what you didn’t like (but thanks anyway for letting me know).

Change is hard, not gonna lie! Having to adjust to something new takes time. Change is good for it gets us out of our rut, mindless actions such as sitting in the same chair, the same place, going through the motions in life rather than creating a new mindset and change the thought patterns.

I wanted so much to have an affirmation be spoken. Just say something positive, notice what I’ve done (which I knew good and well was very pleasing to God’s eyes anyway). 

Not everyone sees the world as you or I do. We are all wired differently to think, react and respond differently to circumstances throughout our lives. Some people continue on with old habits and patterns. This has worked for them so why change? Maybe for some reason they are unable to (I really don’t know and that’s not for me to try to understand or figure out.) I’ve tried and tried for so many years, but people are hardwired to be the way that they are.

My heart felt like hardening, feeling frustrated things didn’t go my way. You see now, that’s where I had it all wrong. I was anticipating an expected outcome, something I desired, hoped to have happen, hear, but didn’t. 

Do you see where the inner child comes out? 

Do you see how our childhood experiences plays a role in us as adults today?

 Do you see how when some of our needs have not been met as a child, we struggle in trying to understand what’s wrong with us? 

Why don’t other people get it? 

Then pause…wait…perhaps it’s not them, it’s me and the lens I have going about my daily life with and living. That’s when I had my “ah-ha” moment. You know, those times when there’s no doubt it was God who brought the insight and wisdom.

He will hold my hand

He will walk with me

He will help me understand

He will bring me peace

He will love me

Through all things and at all times

Cycles in life keep repeating until we learn the lessons. Given this circumstance, I see I still have some more things to work on before passing the test and completing the lesson. Until then, I will keep trying and doing my best. Seek Him more often, more intentionally throughout my day, everything.

I am learning to be a better communicator. God’s definitely been helping me out a lot on this one for I have learned the importance of bringing everything to Him first before anyone else.

Quality of life is getting better, especially when I live in His presence and His peace. Yeah, things get messy from time to time but that’s okay. God had to find a way to bring me closer to Him. His timing, His purpose, His way.

I need not worry about the trivial things in life for He has everything planned out for my life.

God is good at being God!

Trust and believe!

(In case you’re wondering, my test came back negative, yay! I’m so glad I am able to go back to work and use the gifts God has given me for His higher purpose!)