We want to feel that we are doing something important. We want to know that we are making a contribution. Often our nets are empty of these things. But there are other areas where we cast big nets and work hard, only to have nothing. In relationships we cast our nets of expectations and often those nets are empty.
Relationships involve effort and commitment.
We commit the effort necessary to sustain it because we have expectations of it. It is painful when the expectations are not met. Another area where our nets are cast is our spiritual life. We commit time and energy to religious practice and belief with certain hopes and expectations. When I listen to my prayers, they reflect hopes and expectations that I have of God.