Anticipation

Lasting excitement is hard to come by these days. And something to look forward to, seems to vanish as soon as you meet the moment. But there is a place of anticipation that we can choose to live in, that offers so much more vitality to our life. The most incredible thing about anticipation is the ability to expect great things even in the daily grind. I have found a lot of the disappointment that I have felt, has often been centered around obtaining some goal or achievement for myself. What’s amazing though, is that when we look to the needs of others, all of a sudden a flare of light strikes, and our spirits are rekindled.

Such is the case in World Missions. In March of this year, I journeyed to the nation of Nicaragua with Relationships for Christ. On my second day in Managua, as we prepared to visit the site of Project Samuel I came face to face with the very reason why I was there. A few young children stood in between the lanes as cars sped by. As we came to a stop light I noticed a young girl, 5 maybe 6 years of age juggling. She had three dirty tennis balls that looked as if a golden retriever had chewed on them. In her eyes I saw the story of such great poverty, and desperation. As she approached the vehicle no adult was in sight even though other children and teenagers walked the streets a block away in either direction. She tapped on the driver window, and asked for help. As we offered her a few Cordobas she left quickly and continued to pass to the other vehicles, only anticipating someone else might be so generous.

I have reflected on that moment quite a few times since returning home. You know, later in the week as we drove by we found her standing there at the same intersection and with the same three tennis balls—Waiting.

In just a few days I will be returning to Nicaragua with Andrea. I am not sure I can explain the level of anticipation that we have for this trip. We are so excited and are expecting incredible things. But what I can share is the fact that by anticipating greater things in the lives of others we have enjoyed so much more energy, fulfillment, and satisfaction. I don’t know if we will bump into that little girl next week (I am praying that we do, and am believing for a future and a hope for her), but the call and the opportunity still goes out to each of us in our daily lives to Go, to Give, to anticipate for the needs of others, and to make a difference—one life at a time.