Gratitude Wins
May 19, 2022
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
Expectations have a place in life. There’s room for an entire discussion on it. It’s wise and important to expect no abuse, expect partners to keep their vows, to obey the law. Any expectations must be clearly and kindly communicated, discussed, and agreed upon. But outside of that, any expectations we have are destructive in relationships. It’s okay to have desires we discuss or pray about, but when desires become expectations, we get on a slippery slope.
The cure for the destruction of expectations is gratitude. How can you make the difference? First, take nothing for granted. Express gratitude when they do what they’re “supposed to do.” Even though you assume they should treat you well, support you, and love you, you know it takes effort to put another person’s needs at the top of your list. Thank them for it. Whatever jobs they handle in your life, be sure to express appreciation regularly. In every single way they make your life easier, better, sweeter—be sure they know you don’t take it for granted. Make a sincere “thank you” a regular part of your life.
Value their time and their presence. Old wisdom is that you don’t value something until it is gone. Unfortunately, it’s also true of people. Teens who spend all their time with friends and do nothing with family eventually regret it. Parents who prioritize their jobs over their family relationships or spouses over their marriage eventually pay a price. But those who are grateful that people with whom they have relationships want to be with them, and people who don’t take for granted the precious time they are gifted have relationships that flourish and few regrets. When I was a first-time mom, an older mom whose kids were nearly grown made me a gift that said, “Cooking and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow, for babies grow up we’ve learned to our sorrow. So go away cobwebs, dust go to sleep. I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.” I’m so glad I heeded. Life is unpredictable. It goes fast in any case, and sometimes it is unexpectedly over because of death or neglect. Value what you have while you have it.
Encourage their uniqueness and dreams. Everyone has gifts and struggles, weird or unusual traits, and also things they do better than anyone else. Celebrate them for being uniquely who they are. Don’t criticize or poke fun. Enjoy their special qualities and the flavor that makes them unique. They have dreams too. Be grateful for them and encourage them that you believe they are awesome and able to do great things.
Consistently recognize with gratitude that your person is a tremendously valuable gift just as they are. Your relationship will thrive, and your expectations will be what God knows fits you best.
- God, I am so grateful to have this chance at life. Help me to see things with Your vision and live a thankful life. Amen.