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Rest and Expectations

Playtime & Rest

14 Mar

Another rest buster for us recovering procrastinators can be the frustration that comes from unmet expectations. We so firmly believe something will or should happen that it throws us for a loop and stresses our coping skills when it doesn’t.

We tend to put off facing reality and rock along in the mire of frustration, continuing to resent the circumstances or people who hinder what we expect. Strain means drain. Being agitated over a long period of time saps our strength and sours our disposition.

We get frustrated – “upset or annoyed especially because of inability to change or achieve something.”

We can recognize we don’t have control over the whole situation. Our “expectation” might need to be a “desire.” It can’t be a “goal” because we don’t control the factors that make it happen. (Goals and Desires March 2, 2015)

A dear pastor friend shared that at the end of a long day, he would look forward to rest at home. As he drove home, he anticipated relaxing in his chair with the paper or a good book. Ahhh….

Then – Whammo! Four children clamoring for Dad’s attention and his wife with her concerns. Though he loved and enjoyed his family, he began to resent the fact that he couldn’t come home and relax. He decided to change his expectations. Driving home, he’d remind himself, “I have about 45 more minutes of ‚Äòwork day’ when I get home. After time with the family, I’ll relax.” Changing his expectation transformed his attitude from resentment to enjoyment. After attention from Dad, the family was better able to respect his need for rest.

Like this pastor, we can take a fresh look at our expectations and reality, asking God for His perspective. Please see Encouraging Expectations November 16, 2015 for thoughts on realistic, God-centered expectations.

Sometimes we need to express what we’re hoping for. Family, roommates, colleagues, committee members don’t know what we have in mind unless we tell them. Then, is it appropriate to make demands? Give instructions? Place a request?

One night after an event, I sensed my husband’s irritation. What’s up? “I thought we’d be leaving there sooner tonight.” We could have. I didn’t know. He’s learning to share his thoughts ahead of time and I’m learning to ask in advance. Less strain, less drain.

Giving our expectations a reality check, letting God transform our perspective, and communicating our thoughts can bring rest in many situations.

What expectations could be stealing your rest?

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."
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“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”

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2018-08-16T14:41:59-04:00

Christine B.

“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”
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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."

Julia F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:31-04:00

Julia F.

"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

Carole S.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

Rebecca F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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