4 Sources Of Stress (Part 1)

This is part one of a series I am doing to help us deal with the stresses in our lives. One main source of stress comes from our Expectations of Others. We are worn out by trying to live up to expectations put on us and constantly monitor the ones we put on other people. It has stolen our attention, our health and our relationships, especially our marriages. Our marriages have stopped being a place of love, fun and giving, and have become a place of stressful performance. Unfortunately, most relationships are based on “what have you done for me lately?” Recently Larry King interviewed Warren Buffet who has been happily married for 52 years. Larry was impressed with that record because he has been divorced several times. Larry asked, “How have you stayed married so long?” His answer was unexpected. He said, “Low expectations”. That sounds crazy doesn’t it? That is opposite of what we are taught today. We expect so much out of other people, and even ourselves, that we are in a constant state of disappointment. Buffet said, “I didn’t go into my marriage with high expectations. I married my wife because I loved her and want to be with her. Anything I get above that is just icing on the cake. Her love is all that I need from her. Low expectations are the secret of my successful marriage”. Do you find yourself living in a constant state of disappointment? Unrealistic expectations will get you there. People are going to let you down, because they have flaws just like you. I don’t care where you go in this life – home, work, church – if you don’t approach it with the heart to serve, planning to give more than get, you may be disappointed in what you find. That’s the secret. Now don’t despair....when you lower your expectations on people you get to raise your expectations on God. When you allow God to be your source...for joy, fulfillment, resources, you won’t be disappointed!