Great Expectations

We were sitting in the drive-through window at our bank. The drawer opened. I removed my deposit receipts and drove away.

"Am I invisible?", came the small disappointed voice from behind me.

Then it dawned on me. My six year old son had been waiting patiently in the back seat of the van, expecting to receive a lollipop from the teller. I felt sorry for him. I did not even think about the fact that he had been excited about getting a treat until he muttered those sad little words.

Have you ever felt that way? Invisible, I mean?

I certainly have.

How many times I have walked down the halls at church, expecting a "hello" and a smile from a passer-by, but didn't receive one.

How many times I have wanted my husband to notice I cleaned up the house so it would be nice for him and he didn't.

How many times I have wanted my teenage son to give me a hug before heading out the door, but he forgot.

How many times I have wanted to be a part of the group of friends, but wasn't invited.

The list is endless. I'm sure you have a list of your own. The funny thing about that list, though, is our level of expectation. We are expecting things and reactions from people who aren't even aware of our desires. They do notice us. But, they cannot read our minds. They have no earthly idea what we are expecting from them.

Why do we place such high expectations on others, but often forget how we are treating them?

You be the one that smiles and gives a cheerful hello to that passer-by at church. Especially that new family who doesn't know a soul there.

You greet your husband at the door when he gets home from work with a warm welcome and a haven of rest. He will definitely notice that!

You grab your teenager before they head out for the day and tell them they are loved immensely.

Why not call a group of friends together for a Girl's night out? You can be the initiator. Don't wait until they realize they have overlooked you.

Today is the day! Find a person you can bless. Even if they have never lifted a finger to patronize you in any way at all. Commit a random act of kindness. Think of someone who may feel invisible and make them feel worthy and loved.

Believe me, after doing that, you won't feel invisible anymore. You will feel 10 feet tall! You will feel gratified! You will feel the love of Jesus flowing all over and through you!

That is something worthy of expectation.

I'm off to get my little guy a lollipop. See ya tomorrow!
Love and Blessings,
Starr