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• TITLE: Grate Expectations | Previous Challenge Entry
  By Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
  07/18/13
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Grandma often asked me to help her make her scrumptious, delicately crispy potato pancakes.  I fully complied; albeit anticipating bloody shredded knuckles with the freshly grated potatoes, adding a bit of myself to the batter. 

I would make them for my someday husband. We all sigh for the incredible perfection of marrying the perfect person who will solve all our problems and fill all our emotional, mental, spiritual, financial and physical needs. It won’t happen. Grating.

Anticipation initiates the curse of instant gratification. Give me now. I cannot waste time waiting for something that may never come.  I am so delighted with the digital camera . . .

I am a passionate compassionate Christian, still struggling to make sense of each day.  I do not expect God to hand me everything I need and/or want, although it would be something, yes?

Some days my enthusiasm for Jesus overwhelms me and I must take the overflow to another of His Children and bathe him or her within His Word. When this occurs, what delicious happiness it brings.

Material gratification is so fleeting. I just purchased a beautiful leopard-print sarong style swim dress.  Modesty requires a black velvet blouse underneath.

It is a “Marilyn Monroe” creation, most exotic. It is absolutely stunning - Size 3x.  I do not look like the model on the label.  I do not resemble Marilyn Monroe.

I am not disappointed however. This gorgeous piece should last me for many swims and many repetitive futile weight gains and losses.

For what do I seek instant gratification? The sugar is immediate, while the slim figure is way off in the distant future or maybe never . . .

Obviously I struggle with my weight. I make choices every day – to partake or to reject the myriad chocolate, pastry, gooey temptations lurking to ensnare me. Who can say no to cream cheese frosting?

I am a carbohydrate addict with Type 2 Diabetes. I am almost twice the woman I once was. The immediate choice will determine the fulfilled expectation..

My body shape is such that I appear to be fed a daily diet of peanut butter cups and Butter Pecan ice cream.  I partake of neither except in an emergency.  Crunchy peanut butter on a toasted seeded bagel for lunch today.  What do I expect?

Resisting temptation appears easy when it comes to the King’s dainties. When confronting the temptation to sin against our Holy Righteous Father – are we prepared to resist or do we yield to temptation?

Do we put on our battle armor or do we just slide in to a wee bit of coveting, telling lies, ignoring God’s call to His Day of Rest – His holy Sabbath?

We assume sinning against God is smoking, adultery, over eating, murder, stealing. Is it a sin if we ignore all of God’s wishes and Rule for our lives? Yes.

Jesus did not do away with God’s Law. He did not replace it with something better.  He fulfilled God’s sacrificial demands, and magnified God’s Ten Commandment Law, enabling us to grow in His grace and live holy, righteous lives in and through and because of Him.

He sacrificed Himself on the cross. Is it too much to ask that we ourselves prepare to make sacrifices for God’s eternal Glory?

I awake each morning expecting a terrific day. If it turns out terrific, praise our Lord.  If it flat lines and trauma ensues – praise our Lord. Do I expect the good and not the bad? Yes indeedy. I am a born-from-above cherished child of God with all too human expectations.

What does our righteous God expect from me?  What do I expect from my holy God? What is more important – my expectations, God’s expectations or both?

Yes, I struggle daily with my too easily tempted taste buds, but my God-given armor is shiny and new and ready for battle for His glory.

Coming to God through His Wondrous Son Jesus, the Christ brings hope, acceptance, forgiveness of past sins and expectations from both God and myself that I will be unable to deliberately, willfully sin against my Creator.

I have help – I have The Helper – through the Grace of Jesus I am enabled, encouraged – no – compelled and empowered to obey the Father as my worship service to Him.

Potato pancakes with sour cream and applesauce?  No thanks – dieting.

KJV Hebrews 11:1