Preference vs Expectation

Several years ago we were doing a Huge remodel and I expected it to be done by the time of Daughter's wedding. And Most things were -- but certainly not all. A friend said, "Sometimes it is better to have preferences rather than expectations." Oh, my yes! I have used that phrase over and over and some how thought I had released expectations entirely. Ha! Naive me. 

This week there was a conversation I expected to take place. I knew it needed to take place. I certainly wanted it to happen. All of this you understand from a person who probably wouldn't even be in the conversation. But I expected it to happen. Well, guess what? It didn't happen. The two people I Expected to talk with one another didn't. For whatever reason, they stayed with the superficial fun chat and never discussed the elephant in the middle of the room. And that is Their issue to deal with and I fell right into the expectation trap. Would I have preferred that they talk? Yes. I may prefer that for the rest of my life. Expecting them to talk put a lot of pressure on, guess who? Me! Not them. They went their merry way ignoring the obvious and having a good time. To give myself credit, I allowed them to do that. I didn't get in the middle of it or make any suggestions. It was only inside that I kept expecting the conversation to happen. Having preferences and Allowing is much easier on the soul. :)

~ blessings