Thursday, 20 August 2009

• I Used to Dread the Return of Christ

  Growing up, I heard so many people say that they longed for the Lord's return so they could get out of this horrid, horrid life.  In short, it seemed His return would be suckage relief for them.  I felt sorry for them and wondered if I should feel the same way as them---looking forward to His return just so that I don't have to deal with the suckage 'round these parts. 
  
  As I became a little adult, I decided that I'd be sad if He returned.  I wanted to live my life, do things, and achieve the dreams that were within me.  I would have been disappointed if He'd returned before I got to experience college life, travel, the beginning a career, marriage and parenthood.  I would probably have dreaded the thought.  This makes me wonder if, at that time in my life, I was putting these dreams and aspirations before Him.  A possibility.  (We all put things before Him--at least sometimes, right?) 
  
  And, now, as I have finished college and graduate school, created a strong foundation for a good career, done a bit of traveling, and met the man I will soon marry, I still don't feel the way the old people of youth seemed to feel.  I am still not longing for suckage relief expected with His return.  I enjoy the things God has given me.  I have a lovely home, amazing mentors and friends, neat toys, lovely skies and sights to enjoy, and many more questions with answers to find.  I enjoy living.  (Maybe this won't always be true.)  There are many things I look forward to in my life--marriage, parenting, continuing to be a good role model to young people--but if He comes before I get to do any more of it, I would, of course, be delighted.  Even though I don't like the idea of not having any control over His timing.  (Guilty, party of one?)
  
  And this anticipation is well-represented in my current life situation.  I'm engaged.  Seth and I are anticipating our marriage to begin on June 12, 2010.  This sort of anticipation is not like anything I've ever experienced in my life, actually.  I know we're to be wed soon.  In the mean time, I'm enjoying my life.  I eat when/where/what I want; I take up all the room in my bed; I enjoy the quiet of my bachelorette pad.  I get the remote control and talk to myself out loud without fear that someone will make fun of me (well, besides myself).  I fix my own computer problems and replace my own smoke detector batteries.  Yet, I still anticipate sharing all of these things with the man I love. 
  
  And we, as Christians, should understand the anticipation I'm talking about.  We're waiting.  In the meantime, we're enjoying fellowship with other Christians; we're enjoying the sights and sounds and smells and tastes and sensations of God's creation; we hug and kiss and smile and frown and cry and experience all the human emotions.  We talk with God as we walk--as we cry or question or wonder.  Yet, all the while, we anticipate the Time when we will walk right up to and kiss the face of God Himself!  It's a holy anticipation. 

  Are you living in Holy anticipation?

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