"Anticipation Is makin' me late. Is keeping me waiting"
That's how anticipation feels to us, right? We have to wait and wait and it's not always comfortable but sometimes it's exhilarating! I am off to Australia in less than a week and my anticipation is growing with each item put on my "to do" list as well as for each time I look at pictures and can't wait to get there.
Anticipation is a neutral - not only good or only bad - but the one thing it does in either case is get us going. Here's two examples:
First, think about the anticipation of Christmas morning for a child (and many adults!). Seeing presents under the tree and thinking about coming down in the morning to unwrap them. Anticipation is full of excitement and mystery and it sometimes keeps children from sleeping. All of their attention and action is focused on getting downstairs to see what awaits them.
Our second example is this: the anticipation of a new administration and new president. Don't groan, I know we are all being bombarded by this, but it is a great illustration! Some citizens anticipate a new administration will bring a narrowing of who we are in the world and back peddling on civil rights and even unity. But others anticipate the new administration will bring their voice to the forefront and will embody their views. As you know, much of the focus in our country has been on what will happen with a new president. The anticipation is causing some people to protest and some to celebrate.
What's interesting is that in both examples anticipation brings us to ACTION! When we are happy and complacent there's no need to get moving, but when we are anticipating something, good or bad, our blood gets moving, we talk to others, we plan, we protest, we rejoice. But we DO something. Anticipation may keep us waiting for the outcome - the trip, the presents, the administrative action - but it also gets us up and out of our chairs and out into the world.
Next month Lent begins. It is, for me, the anticipation of the reminder of Jesus' resurrection. During that time of Lent the anticipation sends us out to Lenten studies, Taize services, serving our community, looking within ourselves. It certainly causes us to take action. Even if we don't have Lent as part of our tradition, this time before Easter is a time of anticipation, of action.
I can't wait to go on my trip and see all of the new things in Australia and meet new people! I also can't wait for Easter for my trip through Lent will be filled with learning new things and working to deepen my relationship with God. The anticipation is keeping me waiting - and I can't wait!!
