I’ve come to one of my ‘remote offices’ this morning to work. It’s cold at church and it’s early yet, so I thought some coffee and free wifi would be just the ticket for starting the day. Grrrr! The internet here isn’t working! I listen to the man next to me try to explain to the barista (who is listening politely but is understanding nothing) what his guess is as to why the internet isn’t working: “Could be your router or the ISP; might try unplugging the box again or call AT&T.” “Okay, thanks”, the barista says. He’s now back in the kitchen – I sincerely doubt that is where the router box is!
For me it’s not a big deal. I can do other things on my computer that don’t require the internet. But, I suspect that some will come in here specifically to use the free wifi and will be upset with this cyber glitch in the plan for their day.
I’m telling you this because my purpose for this time in this place today was to be inspired to write my Connection article and here it is, right in front of me… expectations.
All of us have expectations. Some are developed as children when adults teach us ‘the ways’ of living. Personal hygiene, behavior and care for shared surroundings are taught through ‘chores’ with tangible rewards (my personal favorite was the sticker!) and the intangible but just as powerful correcting word or ‘look’ from the assessor (usually mom!). Expectations come into our choices regarding the relationships we engage in, the work we choose, service at restaurants, care at the hospital bedside and even the way in which we express our faith.
~Expectations are hurtful when they are used as silent judges of others.
~Expectations fail us when they don’t evolve as our lives and situations change.
~Expectations are divisive when they are not valued as a part of everyone’s strata for living and considered with grace as a part of our mutual conversation.
The common people and mighty rulers of ancient Jerusalem had established spoken and unspoken expectations that guided their daily co-existence. Jesus opened up the conversation about these expectations as he saw the perpetuating injustice and exclusion for many including the God he knew cared more about ALL of these souls in the present AND to their eternal living.
Jesus risked revealing God’s expectation for God’s creation as co-creative, loving, inclusive and faithful in life-giving ways. God’s expectation is grace-filled (free) as well. Jesus risked naming the distractions, the human challenges and the dark places of daily living that could be changed with an expectations review. “Don’t expect anything – give everything; “Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22, Mark 12, Luke 10)
God’s loving presence, friends, is what we can expect as people of God. As Easter people, we can claim a new life, by God’s grace. Celebrate a new start and a renewed willingness to expect God in all things. This gift frees us to gently recalibrate our sense of self and others. Expect only love with respect to how you view yourself; expect only love with regard to every other you encounter. Expect the fruit of the Spirit to impact your life with patience, joy, peace, kindness, understanding, faithfulness and compassion (Gal. 5:22) in every moment.
What did you expect out of this Lenten season? (check all that apply!)
____ Did you choose a discipline that expanded your mind and awareness, challenged your comfort zone or deepened your understanding of scripture?
____ Did you give up favorite things in order to make room for those disciplines in ways that made you more aware of God with you?
____ Did you expect to just breeze by the 40 days without engaging your brothers and sisters in Christ about faith?
____ Did you expect to come to church and have Lent done to you? Letting pastors tell you how Lent should be and then just thinking that is enough?
Lent is a time to challenge old expectations, let go of divisive ones and to prepare ourselves for the joy of new life given to ALL by God’s grace.
My hope is that we gather together, every week, expecting first to praise God in worship. Further, that our mutual interests include spiritual growth, serving together and expecting God’s love to lead our ministry and being in this place.
The guy next to me is leaving now. The barista says from behind the counter at the other end of the shop as he’s pouring a latte with beauty and skill into a ‘to-go’ cup, “Sorry, man.” And the man, putting on his coat turns and says with a smile, “It’s all good man. It’s not your fault.” and out the door he goes. That’s often not what we expect – that’s grace, friends! Amen.
Peace to each of you,
Pastor Kelly