Sometimes we can take for granted the simple pleasures we have in life, such as… indoor plumbing, internet communication, and even hot water. As of today, Friday, May 11th, the hot water in our apartment building will be turned off until later this summer. This is a regular occurrence here in Moscow every summer. So for our last few weeks here before coming back to the U.S., we shall “suffer” without it. Interesting how we can tend to use that term so loosely, “suffer,” and yet I and curious as to whether or not I truly understand the depth of its meaning. I think at time “suffering” is simply a consequence of misplaced expectations. Times like these will truly test and expose one’s character. Do we complain, or are we thankful for the time that we had with a particular blessing in life. Pleasures such as this should not in any way possess our expectations. God alone is our expectation, and rightfully so since He alone is all that remains constant in our lives. Everything else is temporary in some for or fashion and so to place our expectations upon them is simply “setting ourselves up to be let down.” I hope that this would cause you to consider the possessor of your expectations. Guard yourself from future frustrations by placing your expectation in God alone! (Mom & Dad, please double check our hot water at home. No need to “suffer” and longer than one needs to!)