There is a quote by Archilochus, a Greek poet. Some version is often repeated as part of the Navy Seals training.
“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.”
Archilochus
Most of us try to be healthy adults. We expect ourselves to respond well. We strive to be Christ-like. And, we work to be mature and wise.
However, when a man is denied, ignored, let-down, or disappointed, you often see poor emotional training on display. When a man is intensely disappointed, he might fall to the “the level of his (childhood) training.”
What childhood skills do you continue to practice?
- Fit throwing
- Arguing
- Yelling
- Getting even
Or, are you more the quiet type?
- Pouting
- Walking away
- Smiling and holding the pain in your gut
- Practicing the silent treatment
There are two words I put together. They are disappointment management.
A mandatory requirement of becoming an adult should include disappointment management training.
Yes. We rise to the level of expecting the best of ourselves. But we should also be training in the area of disappointment management. Those skills include submission, acceptance, releasing, grieving, and walking in grace.
Prayer
Father, I hate disappointment. I want things to just work out. I want to be known and cared for. Life is full of so many let-downs. I do not want any more. Holy Spirit, please be my coach and leader. Help me grow. Amen.
Bible Connection
“When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child. When I became a man, I did away with childish things.”
1 Corinthians 13:11