GREET EXPECTATIONS!

One of the greatest deterrent to happiness is to constantly think of the expectations of others; and make them expectations of ourselves. When we allow society to define us and set our direction in life, we set ourselves up for “great expectations” that cannot be met; not for a sustained period anyway.  

I have recently returned to school— 16 years from the time I had formal learning.  Spending more than half of my life in education and training, I have lived keeping up with exams, evaluations, submissions, criticisms (though mostly constructive), and requirements.  Now, I get to give them as a teacher; but to put myself back there again as a student— Great Ex…what was I thinking? (Many return to school at midlife Ninang!)

So anyway, here’s the thing, I’m enjoying it! I just finished first term and despite the quizzes, assessments, live talks, discussion fora, and paper works, I look forward to more things to learn. And yes, you can stop reading because of envy. I’m envious myself! My life could have been better if I had this attitude in the earlier decades of my life (school life!). 

My point? A drive to learn, more than to excel; the goal to share and transfer, rather than amass knowledge (for the exam); trust in a supportive family, rather than doubt they won’t love you when you fail them (and the exam) are key to joyful learning.  And then of course, there is the easy access of references from the internet (!) instead of the walk to the library,  and going through the index medicus,  and the literal index cards (!) of the library catalogue. 😊

So that’s when Great expectations become your “Greet(ing) expectations.” That’s when expectations are not to better oneself, but to help others. That is when learning meets purpose—and the purposes of God; and when you believe  God will deliver you ( from exams, Ninang?) from expectations of yourself, to trust in His grace.

– Ninang Greeting Expectations ✨

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)