Political Hoopla and Expectations

Whose Expectations?

With all the persistent political hoopla surrounding us these days, I’m reminded of a true story I heard a while back.

“Is your job difficult?” asked a journalist while interviewing a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States.

“No,” replied the Chief of Staff. “I have only one constituent to please.”

Exhausting Juggling Act

Recently I talked with several talented and dedicated Christian friends who struggle with trying to please the many people around them. Mother, father, sibling, spouse, child, friend, boss, pastor—it runs the gamut. Yet from personal experience and from my interactions with others, I’ve noticed that we walk an emotional-mental-spiritual tightrope when we attempt to juggle all the desires and demands of everybody around us. Usually we end up pleasing no one, while driving ourselves to overload. It gets exhausting. In fact, it’s really a no-win way to live.

In the end, we who have chosen to follow Christ have only one constituent: God. And through our relationship with His Son, He offers us grace, mercy and unconditional acceptance, whether we’re feeling spiritual or utterly human.

Praying It Through

So, I find myself praying something like this: Lord God, I’m tired of trying to do and be what everyone one else wants. If I keep this up, I’ll never become the person You created me to be. I’m going to change my pattern to do what I believe You designed for me. Please give me wisdom-laced courage.

Life Coaching Q: Whose expectations are you trying to meet this week? Consider one intentional action step that will free you up. I’d love to hear about your action step.

Story adapted from my devotional book, It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life.