Anticipation

There are times in life when everything happens at once, when you're overwhelmed and can't think much beyond each single current moment. There are times in life when almost nothing happens, when you can take a deep breath. And then there are special times when you know something is about to happen, something big or exciting or fun. Anticipation. 

With the quick approach of summer vacation; a face-to-face meeting of an overseas friend; the blooming of the vegetable garden, grapes, and the apple tree, it seems that I'm living in a state of anticipation in every aspect of my life. It's such a neat feeling that leaves me not wishing life away but eager to know what lies ahead. I'm excited, preparing so that I'm ready, sharing my excitement with others, talking about what lies ahead in my life. I'm keeping the weeds down in the garden, watching for bugs on my plants, making packing lists, purchasing supplies...

And lately, I can't help but think that this is the state we're supposed to be living our lives in all the time. The writers of the Bible wrote about living in a state of readiness for Jesus' return to earth. Two thousand years ago, people where anticipating His return. They were excited, ready, talking about it. Have we lost our anticipation for Jesus? Have we replaced it with our anticipation with much less significant things?

Summer is good. It's very good. How much greater is heaven going to be? Now that's anticipation.