Expectations are funny things. They are often reciprocal. Some expectations are met, some are not.
Teachers expect students to turn in their work on time and according to directions. Students expect fair grades.
Parents expect their children to behave. Children expect rewards for good behavior.
Employers expect a full day's work from employees, and employees expect a fair day's wage.
When expectations are spelled out, it is much easier to have them met: XX number of dollars for an hour's work for example.
What happens when expectations are not spelled out? Chaos, hurt feelings, bad tempers, maybe years of separation. Hurt feelings over expectations are most often found in families and good friends.
What about caring for aging parents? Will mom or dad go to a home somewhere or will the children care for them? Is a family member who is well off expected to support a family member who is struggling? Do parents expect child care needs to be met by siblings? What happens when these expectations are not met or are not met in expected ways?
What about related adults sharing housing? In my opinion, it depends on the relationship. Is it a familial relationship or a tenant relationship? If my adult relative is living with me rent-free, I am feeding them and occasionally doing their laundry, then I would expect a "my house, my rules" relationship. If my adult family member is paying rent, buying their own food, and doing their own laundry, then I would expect to treat them with the same respect as any other tenant. They are free to come and go at will with no expectation of housekeeping or yard work. (I expect this situation to arise in my family, I guarantee we will discuss our expectations beforehand!)
Expectations are dangerous things. I cannot expect my friend to care for my pets when I am on vacation just because they did it once. I cannot expect the person driving down the road to always stop at a red light, especially when it is icy. I cannot expect others in my study group to do their part of the assignment. I need to acknowledge my expectations and, if necessary, change them. I have heard it said that you should never expect anything, then you would never be disappointed. Maybe I am too cynical but I seldom expect people to keep their word; I am happily proven wrong quite often.
Who can we always count on? Who is always there for us, even in unexpected ways? God! He is the same, always! (Heb. 13:8). That means if He brought Moses through the desert and was with Daniel's friends in the fiery furnace, He will be with me in whatever I am going through. I can count on God to be my comfort (Ps 94:19, John 14).
God is the only one who will meet your expectations, man will fail you. Do not rely on man for your peace, comfort, or joy. Seek the only one who truly has your best at heart,
