Okay, this should be interesting, how am I going to possibly connect these two subjects? Grab a cup of tea, or whatever is your beverage of choice for the time of day you are reading this, and relax!
Common courtesy:
Return phone calls made to you. Cancel appointments you can't keep. Use your blinker, when turning. Say please and thank you. Don't interrupt. If someone doesn't want their children addressing you with your first name, allow them those old fashioned ways of showing respect. Don't say it makes you feel old, or like your mother. Don't talk with your mouth full, putting your hand in front of your mouth does not make it acceptable. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. When calling on the phone, don't say "It's me!" use your name.
I think that's enough for one sitting. Now, let's tackle expectation.
As you go about your day, are you thinking that there is so much to do, I don't know how I'm going to possible get it all done? Or maybe if I try harder, I know this can happen. "without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5 NKJV. Are we really allowing God to be part of our day? What you want from your day, be that. Say what?! Okay, you need to get some work done; be generous with your time, with others, help them, assist them, be forgiving of their shortcomings. Get your focus off yourself. Be quick to offer prayer for those in need, and do it. Not because they deserve it, but because you need it. "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12. Kind of like the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, (common courtesy). So how does this go with expectation? Take a sip ---
Are you expecting God to meet your needs? "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 NIV. Are you thinking and acting like you are the only one that can make things happen, only you can get things done, it's up to ONLY YOU? "I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!" 1Kings 18:41 NLT. Elijah sensed it before he saw the rain. Are you knowing (sensing) that God will provide for you, your needs, because you have spent so much time with Him in prayer and His Word?
I know I'm VERY inconsistent with this. I'll be going along fine, reading, praying, relying on God, and then the next thing I know, it's been a few days and I lost that expectation that He will meet my needs. Trust Him, again, and again. So, If, and I know it's a big If; If I do, or act as what I'm in need of, and trust God, together, He and I can accomplish it, and those around me have it easier because of my courtesy towards them. WOW! Really? Yes, really. May God bless you today as you become a blessing to others.
