It’s all about attachment. When talking with a client this week, she had the realization that in living a faith-based life, the difference between expectancy and expectation is attachment. Expectancy is about looking for the good in life while expectation is often hoping that what we want will show up. Hoping is about waiting while faith encourages patience.

Another way of saying it is that expectation comes from the mind and expectancy comes from the soul. If I let go of attachment, I open up the realm of opportunity. The more attached I am, the more restricted life seems to be.

I think this is one of the more difficult life lessons. I have not been feeling well since I got back from Israel. My expectation is that this virus should be over by now. So every day it is not better, I become more impatient. If I choose to have an expectancy of feeling better, I am not attached to time line or conditions but maybe would appreciate the opportunity to slowdown. That would be much easier than listening to all the whining going on. Now if I will only listen to my own advice…

A day after my blog about the news, I heard that NBC heard from so many people about negative stories that they are airing Making a Difference that will highlight positive stories from listeners. Great news!

Also I came across a blog from The Huffington Post about visualization. It’s a great reminder that we have the power visualize what we want and to stop visualizing all the stuff we don’t want to happen.

One of the most frequently asked questions about my trip has been: “Did you feel safe?” I admit it was a concern I pondered myself before I left. I am so grateful that I stepped out in faith and made this remarkable journey. Our group was traveling with 206 Tours which is a very reputable company. We had a wonderful guide and driver that took us to amazing sites. Friends and family are often surprised to hear about the beautiful countryside, the stunning seacoast and the bustling cities.

We have technology that provides news from around the world as it happens. What is unfortunate is that we only learn the bad news. We seldom hear about the positive things happening. The news media is a business and unfortunately it is not in the business of educating or providing a complete picture. Wouldn’t it be great if when we are shown bombing in the Gaza Strip, we also see a class in Jerusalem on a field trip, or farming on the kibbutz or pilgrims praying at the Mount of Beatitudes.

The same goes for our own country. We are told minute by minute how many people are without homes, jobs, food and health care. We don’t hear about the shared housing program that matches people needing a place to live with a family that doesn’t want to lose their home. We don’t hear about students making a difference in their community.

I am grateful that I was able to move past my fear and take steps in faith. I am making it my intention to share the ‘other’ side of the news. News that reminds us of the possibilities.

This is the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was given. The grounds were so beautiful. Even though there were lots of people around, the space felt very sacred and personal. It was wonderful to reflect on the Sermon on the Mount. Our guide showed us the hillside where Jesus taught. It is easy to see why he picked such a magnificent place.

The Beatitudes

From the Gospel of Matthew

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.