ANTICIPATION

ANTICIPATION

This has been a very exciting time in our house this past few months. Some of you know that this has been the "year of the babies" in our family. Our daughter Laura gave birth to our second grand child in June (Lindsay Alice) and our daughter Julie and daughter-in-law, Jenny, is pregnant. I get three grandchildren in the span of several months.

We have been anticipating the birth of Julie's daughter, Emma Grace for nine months and it looks like today is the day! Her water broke early this morning and today could be the day that Emma Grace makes her appearance. There have been many weeks and months of preparation to get ready for her arrival. Our son Zach has been so excited about her appearance. Every day he says, "Today could be today!" There has been a sense on anticipation on his part that is really cool.

As I have been reflecting on the anticipation of Emma's birth, it has reminded me that this is the anticipation that should be a part of our lives as we think about the return of the Savior. Listen to the words of Paul from Romans 8:18-25:

"For I consider that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the ANXIOUS LONGING of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will also be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, WAITING EAGERLY (on tippy-toes!) for our adoption as sons, the redemption of the body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait EAGERLY for it."

1 Thessalonians 2:13 -- "Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ ..."

Are you filled with anticipation of the Lord's return? We ought to live our lives as if He was coming back today. Emma Grace, we are looking forward with ANTICIPATION to meeting you today.