“Expectations are premeditated resentments.” ~Unknown
It was late autumn. Following my twice-yearly ritual, I’d ascended to the roof of our house, trusty electric blower in hand. Thereupon to blast the leaves and seedpods out of our rain gutters, and then clamber back down. Everything went as expected…
Except the clambering back down part.
What I didn’t expect was for the blower’s electrical cord to catch on the bottom of the ladder and knock it over into the garden. Thereby, nearly murdering my newly-planted fall flowers…
And leaving me stranded on the roof.
What I didn’t expect was for not a single neighbor to be near (“Come on, people, it’s Saturday!”). Or for it to turn into an unscheduled spiritual retreat. On the roof. In record autumn heat. Or to have a surprisingly sweet talk with God, nevertheless.
What I also didn’t expect was that when someone finally did set the ladder back up, it would be our letter carrier. A young man whose failure to pick up outgoing mail I’d been griping about all week. Who confessed to being perpetually lost in thought–and was also named Mitch! I took an instant liking to Younger Mitch (how could I not?).
And finally, what I didn’t expect was that, after three additional hours of yard work in 93° heat, I would develop a case of heat stroke. Resulting in yet another unscheduled talk with God. His message: “Slow down! You’re ‘Older Mitch,’ remember?”
While undizzyfying, I did a mental assessment of various previous failed expectations. And I was surprised at how much I’d learned from them. In fact, over time, most had been transformed, like today’s unscheduled rooftop retreat, into something sweet.
So, I vowed, as I have in the past (but keep forgetting), to surrender my expectations and embrace the unknown. Because, if the saying “Expectations are premeditated resentments” is true (and it is), then its counterpart is also true:
Surrendered expectations are premeditated peace.
“For this slight, momentary affliction is producing for us a weight of glory that is beyond all measure.”
~2 Corinthians 4:17
nice way to “fix your eyes on the unseen,” and make the most of the situation.
Thanks, wGw (afraid I don’t know your name).
While I cannot match this story it’s still a very relatable anecdote.
Glad you could relate, Randy.
Love this!
GREAT post Mitch!!
Thank you, Jeanne!
Great post, that can also be said of our expectations of others.
Just when you think everything is going wrong, you find the silver lining — God communicating with you. I love this story!
Thanks, Janet!
Love it 😊
Thank you.
Too bad Notzilla wasn’t lurking nearby. He would’ve rescued you. Good message, Mitch. 🙂
;>)
Great post, Mitch, I love surrendered expectations are premeditated peace! Saving it for when my expectations don’t come to pass as expected. 😂
;>)
I love the expectations quote.
It is too late if you expect. Best is not to desire anything from the outcomes
You are such a good writer, Mitch. Loved this story of overcoming the unexpected.
Thank you so much, Pastor Ross.
very well done…. inspiring
Thank you, Prior.
🙂🙂
…silver linings!
<3
I am kind of dealing with this now. Trying to look at a bright side however things turn out.
Wonderful post, Mitch. Most people I know would have sat on the roof, swearing. I love your attitude and the ability to turn unpleasant circumstances into contemplative and prayerful moments.
Thanks, Maddie. Although, I’m afraid I don’t always do so.
Thanks for the daily dose of wisdom, Mitch.
My pleasure, Annie.
I was just observing to an acquaintance the other day that I seem to have been dragged into all my best spiritual growth kicking and screaming. She replied, “If there’s no screaming, there’s no growth!” 😂
So it would seem, Ana.
Nice story, Mitch. Glad you got out of it with no real damage. It helped you get to know younger Mitch, who will probably check you box, now that he has a personal connection with you. As I read your post, I felt like God was telling me, ‘You need to slow down and watch it, too.’
Probably something we all need to hear at one point or another. And thanks, btw.
Enjoyed reading this. But we’re sure getting stranded on the roof isn’t as enjoyable. Unexpected situations, so long as our attitude is right, always results in something good – in Christ.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up when I read this. I was watching a TV show last night where the main character made a big point of “letting go of your expectations.” So this really resonated. I feel like I was supposed to read it and reflect on what it means in my life. It’s sure weird when these types of coincidences happen. I always feel like they’re significant.
They are. And I’m grateful to serve as a messenger for something you were supposed to hear.
👏
Pingback: How to Overcome the Unexpected – QuietMomentsWithGod
Pingback: It's Goodbye Autumn and Hello Fall! - Mitch TeemleyMitch Teemley