Monday, March 30, 2009

Expectancy or expectation?


I've been re-reading Paul Young's The Shack and each time I do, I glean more profound nuggets! He wrote this about friendship....He says that a friendship has an expectancy…when we see each other we expect certain things to happen like conversation, laughter, etc. He explains, “Expectancy has no concrete definition; it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else.” But when it changes to expectation……”Suddenly, law has entered into the relationship. You are now expected to perform in a way that meets the expectation of another. The living friendship deteriorates into a dead thing with rules and requirements. It is no longer about you and me, but about what friends are supposed to do, or responsibilities of a good friend.” he continues…..“Responsibilities and expectations are the basis of guilt and shame and judgment, and they provide the essential framework that promotes performance as the basis for identity and value." It's hard to live up to someone’s expectations. And I have to say Paul's words of wisdom for friendships/relationships are something to live by!

1 comments:

Brandy said...

Hmmmm...thanks for sharing that. It was something I needed to read.