Expect Disappointment

A subtle but clever line in the classic fantasy movie “The Princess Bride” (1987) is delivered by the Spaniard Inigo Montoya who insists that he must know the identity of his swordfight partner, Dread Pirate Roberts.  Roberts’ wry refusal: “Get used to disappointment.”  I often think of this silly but truth-hinting phrase when I either experience disappointment or mentor others who do (and that includes all of us).  Whether failed by circumstances, other people, ourselves, or unrealistic (or even realistic) expectations, disappointment is simply a fact of life.  However, the truth is in the phrase, “get used to...”  That implies expect it, but it need not imply “stop trying” or “give up one’s goals & dreams.” 

Taking just the realm of the performing arts, I’ve had plenty of stark disappointments since childhood.  But as I’ve learned to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18, NIV), I’ve not merely accepted disappointment; I’ve often (but certainly not always) seen God’s will in my let-downs!  My most significant let-down applicable to this company?  Had I made it past auditions for Disney World or Radio AAHS in 1994, I wouldn’t have stayed on at Wise Guys in Edina...which led to my founding of JUGHEADS. 

Give thanks for the “drops” in life.  Don’t cause them, but expect them.  They often lead to wonderful and unexpected recoveries!