taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it...

To be realistic is to observe accurately.

The realist is especially self-aware of filtering observations through expectation.

Even Jesus had expectations, of the woman at the well for example.

But Jesus was wonderfully adept at recognizing when his observations did not match his expectation and adjusting to what he observed.

Rather than my expectations being confirmed, I pray for keen observation, creative insight, and disciplined engagement.