Waiting with Anticipation

Elliot's third birthday...do you think he's excited?

    Al and I have just returned from a trip to Michigan which provided many wonderful opportunities to reconnect and make new bonds with family members: Al’s mom, Char; one of his sisters, Ann; his daughter, Shanda and her husband Chris; and their four kids, Kendra (15), Kevin (13), Nate (4) and Elliot (3). We have made the goal to go to Michigan at least twice a year. Being there in person is so much better than talking on the phone!

    It was a busy week, double and triple-booked with activities and great family times together. We went to watch a tennis lesson of Shanda’s, visited Nate’s preschool class and went with Shanda and her little boys’ to their swim lesson—indoors, due to snow on the ground and chilly temperatures outside. Al took many pictures of Nate and Elliot in their brightly colored swim goggles, as they floated, paddled and splashed in the water.

    I got to experience Elliot’s growth since our visit in September as we played imaginary games and read stories together. He celebrated his third birthday with a dinosaur themed party while we were there.  It was a great time to get caught up with extended family and friends too. Elliot really got into his piece of dinosaur sheet cake a la mode, taking his time to savor every bite. He was almost the last one at the table.

   Those in-between times which were spontaneous and unplanned were special too.

   “Come over here, Nate,” said Grandpa Al, “and I will give you a hug and a tickle.” Al was lying on the couch, covered with a blanket, working on an afternoon nap. Nate didn’t need a second invitation. He jumped on Al’s chest for a big hug.
    “Just a hug,” Nate giggled, squirming as his grandpa tickled his tummy. “Just a hug!” It was fun watching those two interact!

    There was a precious opportunity on Saturday afternoon to chat with Kendra, who will soon be turning sixteen and Kevin, in his first year of middle school. They stood back to back so we could see who was taller. Kevin has finally passed his sister and is on his way toward the six foot mark or beyond.

     In addition to quality time with Shanda’s family, we met Al’s sister at Starbuck’s one morning and then again on Sunday at their family’s church. Ann brought mom Char too, who has been a member there for more than sixty years. It was wonderful to be able worship and take communion together. We had special visits with mom Char nearly every day, dining with her at the assisted living home where she resides, going to a prayer meeting with her and of course, giving and receiving lots of hugs.

    “See mom,” said Al after receiving a big bear hug from her, “You just can’t do that over the phone!”

    We’re home now, back to our own routines and to a long distance relationship with our loved ones, wishing we could be with them in person and waiting with anticipation for the next visit.

    Waiting with anticipation! That is also how I am waiting to see Jesus someday in person! Until then, I walk by faith and with the hope of being with Him face to face for eternity. I am ready! Are you?

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1Corinthians 13:12 NIV

(Published in the Porterville Recorder 3-22-14)