It’s no secret that I like electronics. Some people like guns, I like gadgets. When I heard about Google’s Pilot Program for the yet to be released Cr-48 Chrome Notebook, I applied to receive a free one so I could participate in helping give feedback about the product. I have been using the chrome browser for over two years and I discussed my browser adultery here. Since I use use almost all of Google’s products, I thought that I would be the perfect person to test one of their products. I guess I was wrong. I didn’t hear anything for several months so I had, honestly, forgotten and given up all hope until I heard about some friends receiving one. All hope was restored and I began to come home from work each day hoping that I would have a package awaiting me with a brand new Cr-48 Chrome Notebook, but each day…nothing. As each day passed, my hope turned to disappointment and then I heard that the program had ceased. No one else would be receiving a notebook. I guess it was my own little “red rider BB gun” story except instead of shooting my eye out, it would be something like carpal tunnel. I’m not going to lie, I was disappointed.
Although my situation is small compared to many, I’m sure you can identify with feelings of disappointment…awaiting something that never happens. A relationship was never restored. You were not re-hired after a layoff. Your grown child is still living a reckless life. A circumstance has yet to change. Your church does not have a certain attendance. What do you do when disappointment occurs? I believe there are two things: re-evaluate what satisfies you and remember what you have.
Re-evaluate what satisfies you. Disappointment has a unique way of exposing our dependencies. Some people believe that they cannot be satisfied if certain things do not happen; however, all of us must learn to be satisfied by what does not change (Psalm 102:25-27).
Remember what you have. Rather than being disappointed by what is not happening, be grateful for what is happening.
