High expectations are easily stated, may be rationalized as evidence of superior spirituality, and drive most leaders nuts. It takes genuine skill and insight by an institution to set reasonable expectations. There are not enough spell-binding preachers in the world to get every congregation excited every Sunday.

Likewise, there are not enough articulate profs to make every basic class an exciting brush with the hidden mysteries of the universe. There are not enough Miss Americas to fulfill every Dogpatch yokel's expectant dreams for marriage, or enough of anything to please everybody. No wonder God is so patient with the most mediocre of us; he made so many of us! And he can get his job done, too, if we let him!