How to Deal With Disappointment

Have you experienced disappointment over something you thought would be epic, only to have it turn out as ‘meh.’

Now that things have opened up in my state, people are gathering enthusiastically to do the normal things they enjoyed pre-Covid. Restaurants are busy, bars are three-deep, standing room only, and coffee establishments are allowing people to sit and enjoy their favorite brew.

Our local coffee house has returned to offering live music one evening a week.
What a treat! Coffee + live music? Sign me up!

I wish I could say it was an over-the-top experience. I’d love to enthrall you with a tale of a talent that was ripe for discovery by a major recording company. Instead, there stood one guy with a guitar, murdering Neil Young. Whether you love him or hate him, Neil’s quivery singing voice is practically impossible to make worse. Too bad it was this performer’s only talent. When he started on Bob Seger, it was time for me to leave. I passed by four people at another table, enduring the misery like they were seeking purgatory for their sins.

I hope you can relate.

Perhaps you planned and planned for a vacation to an exotic locale and it rained. Every. Single. Day. Or a trip to Disneyland turned into a nightmare when one or more of your family got food poisoning.
I’m convinced that how I deal with disappointment is an area for personal growth.

Since having major surgery last year, I’ve struggled with an ongoing health issue. Some days all I can do is lie on the sofa or stay in bed, waiting for the misery to pass. I’ve missed seeing friends at church, missed birthday celebrations, and passed on opportunities to hang out with my daughter and grandkids.

I will admit, I tend to wallow in self-pity. Anyone with a chronic illness can relate. It seems our pain is never-ending. The challenge for me, and for you, is taking to heart Charles Swindoll’s quote in the graphic above.

How can you (and I) respond to disappointing circumstances in a way that is pleasing to God?
In a way that encourages others, yet still acknowledges our human body’s frailty?

I would love to hear your stories, both serious and humorous. Like the time we went to Six Flags and I got sick on the very first ride. Or when I swung from a rope swing into a gorgeous lagoon in the South Pacific and broke my finger.

What’s your story? Let me know.