"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Romans 8:25 (NIV)
Someone once said, “In the quietude of anticipation lies a symphony of emotions—a delicate dance between hope, longing, and expectation”. As we stand on the threshold of a significant event, whether a personal milestone or a communal celebration, there's a unique beauty in the waiting, a poignant essence that enriches our journey towards that awaited moment. Any young couple can recount, no doubt, the nine months of preparation and waiting in anticipation of the first moment their eyes are laid upon their newborn son or daughter.
Advent, a time of preparation and expectancy, encapsulates this beauty of anticipation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the profound joy in the anticipation of something – and, in fact, someone - meaningful. Much like the days leading up to a cherished holiday, the weeks of Advent invite us to embrace the art of waiting with open hearts and reflective minds.
In the flurry of modern life, where immediacy often takes precedence, the concept of waiting might seem daunting. Yet, within this waiting, there's a hidden treasure trove of lessons to be uncovered. It teaches us patience, urging us to savour each moment and find solace in the process rather than just fixating on the outcome.
As we navigate our lives, the beauty of anticipation lies not solely in the destination but in the journey itself. It urges us to find significance in the smaller moments, appreciating the intricate details that shape the path towards our aspirations.
What are you waiting for, hoping for, and trusting for today? Are you so focused on the end goal that you are missing the here and now? Are your sights so fixed on the big picture that you lose sight of the next step? Could I encourage you, dear reader, to relish the process? Embrace the waiting as an integral part of the experience, for it enriches our understanding, deepens our gratitude, and amplifies the joy upon reaching our much-awaited destination.
In the tapestry of life, anticipation weaves a thread of hope, infusing each moment with a subtle yet profound beauty, reminding us that the anticipation itself is a gift worth cherishing. The anticipation of Advent is worth it because the object thereof - He Who was born on Christmas morning, He Who will return to take us to be with Him forever - is worth it.
Points to Ponder
· What are you anticipating at the end of this season of waiting?
· What feelings is this anticipation eliciting for you?
Prayer
At the thought of what and Who’s to come,
My heart and soul do yearn;
Darling of Heaven, Lover of my soul,
Keep me watching and waiting for your return