Setting Expectations

This month we are discussing expectations. As we have all wrestled with new years resolutions, maybe you've started some new expectations or you've ignored expectations all together. After all, it's hard to fail if you expect nothing. But as we learned last week, this is not what are are called to. Our calling is hard work, for we toil in a fallen world searching for the perfect infinity. We study the finite mathematical language in order to glimpse the shadow of the almighty, infinite, omnipotent, all good God. It's hard work, but it's a great expectation. 

This year, as you consider weight loss programs, exercise routines, book lists, financial goals, and educational pursuits, remember that our first and foremost priority is Christ and Him crucified. We are called to follow Him and lead our children to the cross. We are called to do hard things. We need to model how to do hard things for our children and help them dive into their own hard expectations. How do we get started?

1. choose one area to focus on: let's take math. 
2. create a small tangible yet rather hard goal: "I'd like to understand how the distributive property applies to problems like 19 x 7 and how I can use it to calculate large products in my head by the end of June" 
3. create small signposts along the way: "Each week I will define the distributive property and complete an example problem showing the steps. Then I will try to recreate the problem in my head without writing it down."
4. create accountability: "I will show my weekly progress to my father and celebrate a successful week of progress with a cup of tea together" 
5. create a visual to mark your progress towards your large goal: " each problem completed will be a drawn star on this notecard showing my progress"

If we expect much from our children and ourselves, we must equip each other to do hard things and hold each other accountable. Find an accountability partner. Inspect what you expect, always. If you are truly expecting great things, then you will look for them. How do we do that without being overwhelmed with to-do lists, let's talk about that next week...