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| Sunrise on the S. Carolina coast |
ANTICIPATION...
WAITING...
EXCITED EXPECTATION...
I love the feeling of anticipation! There's a special thrill in my chest when I unwrap a gift, not knowing what it will be. Each time I was pregnant, I savored not knowing if we were having a boy or a girl until the moment the doctor exclaimed, "It's a ....!" Around each mountain trail bend, I wait with bated breath for what scene will unfold. And why else would I get up while it's still dark, sit on a cold beach to watch a flaming ball of fire breach the horizon? Anticipation. The fresh anticipation of wondering, "what will it look like this time?" I truly love surprises and life's unexpected gifts in any shape.
Today, I was wondering if God loves anticipation, too. I think he does. Look at a sunrise. He could have designed morning to arrive like an abruptly flipped light switch in a dark room. Bam!! The morning is here. He could have created babies to develop like zucchini, magically appearing on a vine, plump and ready after a mere 24 hours of growth. (You fellow gardeners know exactly what I'm talking about, right?! Zucchini growth is unbelievable!) He could have chosen to usher in Spring blossoms every year on March 20th like the changing of a garment. And for that matter, why didn't he conceive of a harvest that arrived instantly after planting? I'm sure he could have for certainly the God who can speak the entire universe into existence in 6 days could produce anything instantly at his command! So why the slow arrivals? Why the wait? I would suggest it's at least in part because he's designed something to happen in our hearts, minds, and souls through the art of anticipation. I bet he loves to hear us whisper, "I wonder..."
I'm guessing that God takes delight in watching us wait, wonder and anticipate his plan and design. I bet he even smiles while painting each sunrise and sunset, orchestrating the beauty of all those golden hues while he says, "They'll love watching this sunset unfold before their eyes!" The Lord has designed us to anticipate more than just the changing skies and seasons though. He offers us gifts wrapped in grace and love every day. He even gives us hints of things that are yet to come. That excites me deeply! It's almost as if he has hidden parts of our future in wrapping paper like a gift. The anticipation of his plan causes me to fix my eyes on Him and lean in and say, "I wonder..."
What are you anticipating? Who are you waiting for? I can't wait to tell you what I'm anticipating.
But let's wait
for just a little while
and enjoy the anticipation.
It's so good to be excited with expectancy!
