Disappointment has a way of revealing what we truly desire, often exposing the expectations we place upon our own lives. We long for ease, for a path free of struggle, and yet, the refining work of God is often found in the very places we resist. It is in our unmet desires, our moments of frustration and sorrow, that we come face-to-face with the quiet demands we have made upon God. But divine love is not bound by our small dreams; the purpose of the Holy One extends beyond them, shaping us for something greater. As Romans 8:28 (NRSV) reminds us, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Even in disappointment, we are being formed into vessels more fit for the Spirit’s indwelling.
If we truly desire to grow in love and wisdom, we must embrace the lessons that come with struggle. The delays, the uncertainties, and even the losses in life are not obstacles to our growth but the very means by which our hearts are softened and our capacity for compassion is expanded. To live with greater purpose requires surrender—letting go of rigid expectations and trusting that what unfolds may be more meaningful than what we had planned. When we release our grip on our own small dreams, we make space for something larger, something that transforms not only us but the world around us.
This shift in perspective does not come easily. It takes patience, reflection, and a willingness to see our challenges as shaping us rather than defeating us. The breaking of our expectations is not a failure but an invitation to live more openly, with greater trust in the journey. The path may not always be smooth, but it leads toward something deeper, something beyond what we could have imagined for ourselves.