If you're breathing you "will" at some point experience disappointment.
Some forms of disappointment we handle quite well, our favorite item sold out when marked 50% off; the kids mistakenly broke your Frankie Beverly CD; you go on vacation with your husband and mother nature decides to come (everytime); you didn't get the raise you wanted, etc. But some forms of disappointment are heartbreaking, especially when you're disappointed by someone you love and trust. How we handle the disappointment is where we run into trouble.
There was a time when I did everything possbile to avoid being disappointed, including avoiding any situation that would put me in a position of getting close to people emotionally. I hated rejection and always took it personally. It was so painful that I learned to just block folks out and keep everyone at a distance. When I got married I could no longer just "block folks out", my husband was important to me, lived with me and was mine. How was I to protect yourself from disappointment from my spouse? I built up walls, I never asked anything I didn't really want the answer to, that way I never had to experience disappointment if my husband didn't "live up" to my expectations. By the way, it never occurred to me that I could ever disappoint him......how arrogant! After many years of marriage I had to learn that the disappointments in life aren't nearly as important as the response to the disappointment.
If we can find it in ourselves to bring to our rememberance those things that we've done to not only disappoint others, but ourselves and ultimately the Lord, then it makes it a little easier to understand that we are all subject to disappointing others. Having a true understanding that we've been extended God's grace and mercy on every disappointing occassion is critical. When we operate in any way that isn't pleasing to the Lord its disappointing to Him. When we respond to disappointment with wrath, anger, revenge, backbiting, gossip, etc. its disappointing to Him. When we use our tongue as a double-edged sword against our neighbor, its disppointing to Him. When the same mouth that sings praises to God spits out curses, its disppointing to Him.
God's grace and mercy has time and time again protected us and kept us from the punishment we should have received. Can you imagine the blessing you could be if you would extend that same grace and mercy to someone who has disappointed you. Grace and mercy doesn't mean "dumb and dumber" clearly if someone has shown you they aren't trustworthy, or that they are prone to keep confusion going, then you must use wisdom in your dealings with then. But that doesn't mean you can't forgive the disppointment and move on.
When you operate in love you always understand that "people are people" and being such are subject to error. Only Jesus was and is perfect. Love covers a multitude of sins, that includes yours. Practice the art of forgiveness, let go of disappointments and set yourself free so that the Lord can fully minister to your spirit. You'd be surprised what the Lord can plant in you when you first remove the weeds.
In all you do, do it in love,
Tanya
