asbc seek devotionals 2025 2 - Flipbook - Page 50
DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL | ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
Day 23: Unmet
Expectations
DR. JUDY FENTRESS-WILLIAMS
“…when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:11b, NRSVue
The “sandwich generation” describes the demographic of adults who care for their
children and parents at the same time, sometimes in the same household. Their
previously held expectation of raising a family and then being free to focus on themselves
gives way to arranging after-school care alongside adult day care. One common refrain of
this community is, “I didn’t imagine I’d find myself in this situation.”
Our scripture lesson belongs to the “love chapter.” Its poetic description of love is
inspirational and challenging. A love that can accommodate things we didn’t sign up for
and situations we didn’t anticipate is a love for mature people. Indeed, following the
path of love may lead us to places we did not imagine. We cannot follow this path until
we let go of our previous expectations. This is not easy work, but there is grace to be had
when we entrust our expectations to God, the source of love described in this chapter.
God will give us the wisdom to love others without becoming martyrs. God will give us
companions for support and grace for the journey to new expectations.
JOURNAL
REFLECTIONS
What expectations do I need to let go of to
give love to myself and those around me?
50
PRAYER
Lord, Show me the way of love in unexpected places.
Today, I give all my expectations to you.
