Anticipation

As I sit to write this, I am bursting with pride and wonderment at the arrival of a new granddaughter on Mothers’ Day. Her arrival was the first for our daughter and son in law, and the anticipation for them and both families was electric. With every ping of our computer, or ringing of our phone came the expectation of the wonderful news. When the message finally came, our home exploded with joy. With the thousands of miles between us, we can only wonder what she looks like. What would she feel like in our arms, and what would be the first words we would say to her. We remember the sheer joy of those experiences with our own children, all now grown. We know what her mom and dad are feeling right now, as we have been blessed with those emotions three times. We, as grandparents will now wait with anticipation of the first time we meet her, the first time we hear her voice, and to watch her walk and grow up in her parents care.

Events in our lives will always give way to many forms of anticipation. A wedding day, an unexpected illness, a needed surgery, a new job, or even a retirement date. All of these will evoke different emotions, some of joy, and some of sorrow. I cannot help but draw a comparison to Jesus here. I can imagine Mary and Joseph’s anticipation when they were waiting for Jesus to be born. Can we all imagine the people at the time, hearing of a King, their Savior that was to be born as prophesized? The waiting, the signs, all strong enough to draw Kings to travel long distances to meet Him. Then came the elation of His arrival, and the joy it brought. Their faith in God strengthened by the news, gave hope. Not many years later, sorrow as He was crucified by the very people He came to save. Yet, He rose, and the anticipation of His return, was, and is even stronger than ever.

Our lives will be a journey of joy and sadness, yet, when we accept Jesus as our very own, and acknowledge Him as our Savior, then our anticipation of meeting Him face to face is immeasurable. Just like our grand daughter so far away, we know we will see her. We know also that we will also see Jesus, look into His eyes, and hear His voice. The anticipation of that very moment will help us in the human as we face mortal challenges. As I approach the age of sixty-five, I feel blessed to have my general good health. I also know that friends and loved ones around me share in the same joys and fears as I do. I’m sure that many who read this are wearing the same shoes. I encourage everyone in these troubled times in our country to reset. If you have already accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then continue to believe that He will pull you through anything. If you haven’t allowed Him into your life, then today is the day to look up and give Him the invitation. I would like you to have the same anticipation of meeting Jesus some day, as we did waiting for our grand daughter to arrive.

We will see her some day, and will welcome her and tell her how much we enjoyed waiting to meet her. Jesus will meet us someday, and He will look into our eyes and say welcome my child, I have been anticipating your arrival.

Mike Shindruk

Master’s Hand Ministry