Golf can be very enjoyable or very frustrating. Two things that take the joy out of a round of golf are expectations and comparisons. If a golfer expects to have a good score at the end of the day he may be very disappointed. After four or five hours on the golf course, the score may be far different than what the golfer expected or hoped for.
Expectations often result in frustration. This is not only true of a round of golf but in other areas of life too. Unrealistic expectations can cause a wife to become disillusioned. If she expects her husband to bring her flowers and buy her expensive gifts, she may become dissatisfied and disenchanted with her prince charming when he fails to fulfill her expectations.
The same can be true for a husband. If he expects a special dinner or an evening filled with romance, he may become bitter and frustrated when those don’t happen.
The same can be true in the workplace. If you are expecting a raise or a promotion, you may be disappointed when you learn those aren’t the plans your boss has for you this year. If you expect a coworker to help you with a project or presentation, you may be frustrated when you discover that they didn’t get their part of the project done on time.
I am convinced that bitterness and resentment are rooted in unfulfilled expectations. Bitterness is like an acid that slowly erodes a relationship. The Apostle Paul encouraged his readers to put aside bitterness and extend forgiveness to those that have offended us (Ephesians 4:31-32).
If you want to enjoy a round of golf, I recommend you change your expectations. And, if you want to enjoy your marriage or your job, let me encourage you to change your expectations. Be thankful you have a job and not resentful you didn’t get the promotion. Focus on the good qualities in your spouse rather than their faults. You will be glad you did and they will too!
Read 365 more articles and stories by the author in his book Let Me Encourage You. Order you copy at markh@efreedb.org. The price is $20 plus postage ($5).
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 
Another good one!
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