The Rest of Your Story 7: It's a Showdown of the Soul, Y'all

 

To start from part one, click here.

Being raised in Texas means I've learned a thing or two about cowboy stories. And one thing I know is that at high noon there's always a showdown. The outlaw and the sheriff draw their guns and only one is left standing.

I had my own high noon duel today. There weren't any actual weapons, fortunately. (Otherwise I would have traded my one phone call for one blog post and asked all of you to bail me out.)

It happened over lunch today with a good friend. We talked about our stories and how we're at a place where we're both feeling a bit, well, just downright discouraged.

Do you ever have words pop out of your mouth and wonder where in the world they came from?

That's what happened next.

I said, "You know, I've been disappointed because they way things have worked out didn't match my expectations. But I never really asked God if they matched up to His plans."

And then I could almost hear the clink of spurs and the dust swirling under the table. Time for a showdown.

You see, I've been at this place before.

I'm an idealist who has pretty high expectations about, oh, everything.

(Now, there are reasonable and good expectations. For example, that your spouse will be faithful. Just to be clear, I'm not talking about that kind.)

When my expectations don't get met I just assume that things have gone terribly wrong and God has been surprised for the first time in all of eternity. Yes, ma'am.

Eventually, I come to my senses and realize that's nonsense.

And at that point, either my expectations or God's plans have got to go.

It's the high noon of the heart.

Thankfully, God's really good at shooting big, fat holes through my expectations. At the time, I don't like it one bit. But it usually turns out those expectations were the bad guy all along. And when I look back, I can see my story turned out a whole lot better than if the duel had ended differently.

(Note: For those of you who are grieving because you have been hurt or wronged in a way that never should have happened and God never wanted for you, that's an entirely different post and story. And I'm so sorry.)

Could it be time for a showdown between your expectations and God's plans?

Like I did in the Joy Challenge, I'll have random giveaways for people who comment or subscribe during this series. (Subscribers, to leave a comment click here or on Heart to Heart with Holley at the top of the e-mail. Then scroll down and click on "comments" at the bottom of the actual post.)

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Comments

[Lauri]

Good Morning Holly,I def. had to get over my expections. Concerning my story I briefly share on part 6 comments. Some of my expections of God were innocent but, just not what God had in store for my children & I concerning our futures. Some were terrible expections (didn't know they were terrible at the time). But God opened my eyes to them. Everything worked out better for my children & I in the end.Again thanks for this series. It has really gotten me thinking on things.God Bless You!!!

[Rebecca]

I am at this point myself. Clearly God's expectations for the "best" for my life are different than His. He is purposefully taking me through a wilderness experience. I need to get on board with praise and trust.

[CECE]

I love the idea of a SHOWDOWN. I have never thought of it that way. That is exactaly what it is my way or God's way?

[Tammy@If Meadows Speak...]

Expectation not as much of a problem as patience for me. At times I know HE put something in my heart, something He plans for me, and yet, I grow impatient for Him to deliver. So I've waffled between: "God if this desire isn't from you, then take it away." Or worse, just taking that desire and bowing down to it for the idol it became in my heart. Finding the balance between both, meant & means waiting, patiently. He has "delivered", perhaps not in the same expectations I might've imagined, but the showdown is in patience. Now I'm here where He delivered me and He has me waiting again, patiently or not. I'll will struggle to hold on to HIS grace to be here. Today, I'm good, ask me tomorrow, I might say something entirely different. Thanks Holley!

[Linda]

It is amazing what can happen when our expectations aren't on God's agenda. It is really time for a showdown when my expectations are selfish and self centered. Recently when I wasn't feeling well and struggling, I prayed God keep my focus upward (to Him)and not inward. I knew if my focus was upward, and there was something in my heart that needed attention inward, He could address it and take care of it. Meanwhile my upward gaze would help my overall outlook. It helped to keep from some of the downward spiral. Keep looking up, friends. :) Psalm 62:5 says: "My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him."

[Becky]

Dear Holley,

I'm an idealist with high expectations, myself. And I'm a good whiner when God shoots holes in my expectations, as well. But, I've been learning that God's way is always best and it's what I want. I'm looking forward to the "rest of my story."

Blessings! and thank you!

[Alli]

HI Holley,

Boy did this one hit home! We are at this point in my family right now. We thought we'd be moving by now, and are still waiting. Talk about a hit on the head and bringing real meaning to the words "Be still". We are still. However, within that stillness, my emotions are running out of control because I had a plan!Thanks for this series! It's an eye opener!

[Katie]

Hmmmmmmmm.........that"s a whole new way to look at it.

[Amy]

Holley,I SO needed to read these words this morning.Especially:"God's really good at shooting big, fat holes through my expectations. At the time, I don't like it one bit. But it usually turns out those expectations were the bad guy all along."Bless you, friend.Amy

[Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect]

Your post is making me growl. Because it's true and it's right and it's timely. So, because I'm still resisting this honesty today, I'm growling. :)

But, I won't growl forever. And I'm mulling over your words so I can start processing how they fit with my current situation. Thank you for sharing your words, Holley.