Photo credit: Cindy Wilkins

What do we anticipate? I look forward to date nights with my husband, an upcoming concert in November, and weekends.  Sometimes we anticipate - give advance thought to - such things as doctor's appointments, how to pay bills, and car and house repairs. Anticipation can be about positive or negative things and sometimes includes hints of both sides of the proverbial coin. 

As I was listing these out in my journal the other day, the Lord brought this thought to mind. "Do you anticipate anything in your life with Me?" Wow, that made me think and probe a little bit deeper. What do I give advance thought to or look forward to in my relationship with Jesus?

I look forward to Heaven and eternal life with Him because it includes no more tears or pain. I'll see people from my past who have gone to Heaven before me.

"Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain." Revelation 21:3-4 (The Living Translation)

Here on earth, I anticipate meeting with my church family and worshiping together on Sundays. Then, I stopped. Do I truly anticipate Jesus showing up every day? Do I look forward to His voice guiding and directing me, every day? 

Oftentimes, I believe that would be a "no". I get caught up in the busyness of work and the dailyness of life. I want to be that person that can say a wholehearted "yes". I want to anticipate His faithfulness and His constant care for me and my loved ones.  I want to always look for His promise of working all things together for my good.  I want to see the good in others; feel the ease of His yoke and know that His burden is light because He carries it and not me. 

"We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan." Romans 8:28 (The Voice)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

How about you? Do you want to live a life of anticipation of what God will do in your midst? I'd love to hear about it in the comments. 

This post was prompted by #writetogether31days hosted by my friend Cindy Wilkins and also Kate Motaung's "Five Minute Friday".

Follow the hashtag on social media channels to see the other writers as they write each day in October. 

Kate posts a single word each week and each blogger sets a timer for 5 minutes to write and then posts, with little editing. (Some weeks I have more trouble with that part than others.) Check out the other writers this week!