Expect/Accept

EXPECT and ACCEPT. Funny how these words are so close in sound and yet have a great deal of difference in meaning and consequence. In the many realms I live, these words can get tangled up and blurred. Kids are content ACCEPTing hugs, discipline, wisdom, and tickling. Adults EXPECT deadlines to be met, conversation, traditions to be kept, and cute but pointless jokes from 6 year-olds. Travelers see these lines blurred; they EXPECT to be searched at the security gate in the airport and they ACCEPT the 3-1-1 rule for liquids.

The point I ponder tonight has to do with God, his love, his grace, and his truth. He invites us to ACCEPT these as a gift just as a child ACCEPTS a bedtime story. He invites us to ACCEPT the paradox of his character: merciful yet just, one God in three, life for all from a death of one, graceful while truthful. That’s a big invite. More than to an “Over the Hill” Party or 60th wedding anniversary. It entails more than showing up; it requires all of us because that’s when we have fully ACCEPTing God. I can’t decide, however, which is more difficult, ACCEPTing or EXPECTing. What a stretch for me to EXPECT miracles, blessings, healings, perfect timings, moving mountains. Just as we are invited to ACCEPT God for who he is, the ACCEPTing means we actually EXPECT mighty things of, from and for God and his glory. If we didn’t, then we deny part of God’s character, that which changes lives and circumstances beyond our control or understanding.

I so often live the blurred lines of ACCEPTing and EXPECTing all for and from God. But I appreciate that God ACCEPTs this paradox in me and EXPECTs growth and molding. Without the grace and the parental-like motivation, I would merely ACCEPT whatever and EXPECT nothing.