In early December I had foot surgery. Prior to surgery the Doctor told me that I would need about 2 weeks of no weight bearing and full elevation with icing to get the best results. He went on to say that I should be prepared to experience swelling for up to a year, especially as my foot is used more. He advised that the more I held to the first two weeks restrictions the quicker my healing would be. In truth, I would still need to elevate and ice after the first two weeks but not as fully.
I heard those instructions and thought I 
communicated them clearly to my husband. I also thought that I could work an alternative healing plan., which I also communicated. I had in mind that I’d stay home for 2 days from the office and then return in one of Jerry’s old wheelchairs that would allow me to keep my foot elevated and iced while moving about the office.
It didn’t take long after I was home and recuperating to realize my plan would not work. The Doctor’s plan was best and was what I needed to follow. Surprise!
That experience brought to my attention several situations in recent weeks and months where my expectation and my reality (or life in the present) do not match up. It has taken awhile, but I finally realized it is not my present that I need to adjust, but my expectations and attitude.
You see I set both myself and Jerry up to feel I would be further along than was reasonable. I was left feeling disappointed when I wasn’t. Then the doctor tells me he is very pleased with my progress and I am definitely on schedule if not ahead of schedule. Wahoo!!!
It’s good to have a goal and expectations to strive for. But for me I think I need to temper those a bit more with realistic expectations (not just in this area, but most all ares of my life) which would reduce a lot of frustration I suspect.
Funny, as I am writing this Jerry is listening to his Bible app. Truly at the same time as I typed the above paragraph I heard the app read, “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourself . . .” Romans 12:3 NLT
Coincidence? I think not!