Here’s how I look at it:

Expectations = Entitlement

Gratitude = Gift

That’s it.

Gratitude teaches me that God doesn’t owe me anything, but rather that I owe Him everything.

Gratitude reminds me that what God gives me is often way better than anything I could ever expect or hope from Him.

Gratitude tells me that if I must have expectations, to expect that God will continually surprise me in countless ways each day and every day.

Today, my expectations were a sunny spring day and a hike at Radnor Lake State Park.

The reality was more very unspringlike weather and some hot tea, Netflix, and good conversations with a friend.

Sometimes, I think my expectations are a little unrealistic. I think the ones I love, whether friends or family, will never move away, grow old, get sick, and die. I think I can somehow wish the present last forever.

The reality is that this is not all there is. This is not the best there is. Something way better is coming, and some that I love have been fortunate enough to get there early.

So my gratitude outweighs my expectations today. It’s been a very good day.