You can’t always live up to expectations
from someone else
Have you ever found yourself trying to live up to expectations of others? I have. And it never worked out well. I’ll bet you’ve found that to be true, too. Right? Why do you suppose that is? Well, I have a couple of ideas…
Trying to live up to expectations can blur your focus.
When someone else thinks they know what you should do…and you follow their advice…you’re very probably not going down a path where your skills are best suited. It’s not necessarily that the other person is deliberately looking to screw up your life. In fact, they might have your best interests in mind. But they don’t know your mind. They’re not you. And when you follow what they’re saying, you’re not becoming a leader, you’re following. That makes your focus…uh…less focused. And that’s a recipe for disaster. Or at the very least…considerable hardship.
If you don’t have your own expectations for yourself, there IS one you could follow. I know him, and he won’t steer you in a direction you shouldn’t go. His help won’t blur your focus. In fact, he helps you focus on your own skills and talents. As a matter of fact, He gave you your skills and talents.
Maybe by now you already know I’m talking about God. Yep, there I go again. But after all He is the reason you’re here at all. He designed you. That means He might be (translate that “He IS) a credible source for everything related to your health, well-being, and longevity. If you’re gonna try to live up to expectations from anyone…it should be your Creator. He’s got a place ready for you to live forever. I’m living in full expectation of that. Are you? Will you?
Here are the lyrics to a song I wrote a few years back about trying to live up to someone else’s expectations. Maybe I’ll include the old recording in an upcoming episode of the Rhyme and Reason podcast.
I Can’t Live Up To Your Dream
You want so much to make me perfect.
You try so hard to give me wings.
But there’s no way that I can make it.
I’m just a guy who plays and sings.
You see the world through tinted glasses.
But you don’t see the total scheme.
And I’m so rough around the edges.
Give up, give up, I can’t live up to your dream.
You want a miracle; not a man,
Someone to change your life with the wave of his hand.
And you want a hero; not a regular guy.
Someone who’s bigger than life with the sky in his eye.
Well, give up, give up, I can’t live up to your dream.
You say your love has made me better.
But still I fail to make the mark.
How could I ever light your vision.
When I can barely light the dark.
Give up, give up, I can’t live up to your dream.
inst…repeat chorus to end © 1985 TF
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