Expectations & Prayer

We all have expectations.

Looking at the world today.. do our expectations need to be modified ?

Yes, as a second generation, a descendant of survivors, I expected their messages to have been heard and penetrated. I expected the world to have better clarity and not act like cruel fools. I expected people to speak up when observing inhumane acts.

Is it naiveté.. not really.

Define expectations:

Trust, hope, anticipation. A strong belief that something will happen.

Are expectations good or bad? We often feel frustrated when expectations are not met.

There is both a  physical and  a spiritual component to expectation.

Hope is different. Hope is a feeling and desire to trust in the future. While expecting is a belief that something will happen, it is more about  the outcome.

The spiritual component to expectation is  ‘Expectation in G-d ‘ , to have confidence and courage , and a deep commitment that nothing will stop us from completing G-d’s dream for the world. This type of expectation is met with faith and is a breeding ground for miracles.  Expectant faith : we want G-d to send us his blessings no matter what the circumstances.

Psalm 5: O Lord , in the morning you shall hearken to my voice, in the morning I shall arrange my prayer to You , and I shall look forward.

There are also behavior expectations. Expectations of others, beliefs about how others should act or what they should do. People have expectations of others in many situations. We expect others to be good, respectful, and honest. We expect the to follow social norms. We believe things should be a certain way.. the “shoulds.”.We can be greatly disappointed when we expect people to be different than who they are.

You can hope without expecting.

What does G-d expect from us?

JUSTICE, KINDNESS, HUMILITY

” Gam Zu L’tovah” This too is for the best. ‘. This is a Jewish Principle, a fundamental part of Jewish belief..

We should set the bar high. Aim high despite the challenges. We can do this through Tefillah, Prayer and through the virtues mentioned….justice, kindness, humility. We have the ability to bring great light.

So we pray, we pray, we wait. We pray , we wait, we pray.

As a dear friend of mine said to me just when the pandemic hit : “G-d has a plan and I have a siddur ( prayer book ) !”

So the “Director is running things, he changes the scenery and lighting.

Beresheit : “ For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord..”

“ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you saith the  Lord, thoughts of Peace., and not of Evil, to give you a future and a HOPE.”