The Anticipation is Killing Me!

…or is it really keeping me alive?

I’ve uttered the phrase, “I can’t wait until…” so many times.  Anyone who knows me knows that I like to work, to figure out the best way to do something, and to get things done.  Having no control and no choice except to wait is like my worst nightmare.  Even when there’s nothing that can be done, I busy myself with tasks that either help me prepare for what’s coming next or attempt (unsuccessfully) to speed up the process of waiting.

And that's the very season we’re in right now in Plano, Texas.  Waiting for Spring.  Cool season flowers are planted and I’m waiting for buds.  Daffodils are sending up shoots and I’m waiting for blooms.  Seed trays are full of seedlings and I’m waiting for a break in the frigid nights to plant them outside.

Waiting.  Waiting.  Waiting.

Waiting to not be so cold all the time.

Waiting for longer days and more sunshine to return.

Waiting for bird songs to fill the air and buds to cover the trees.

Waiting for life to return.

But is there value in the waiting?  Is there a purpose in the anticipation?

As a kid, I remember having to wait for all of the best things in life: Christmas, birthdays, summer break, vacations, field trips.  And there were all kinds of ways to help us wait (or at least make us stop asking how much longer) like crossing off the days on a calendar, lighting advent candles at church during the weeks leading up to Christmas, and tearing off one ring of a paper chain each day until the last day of school.

Waiting was so hard, but the reward was so sweet.

Would the reward have been as enjoyable if the waiting hadn’t come first?  If there was some secret back door to sneak through without going through the tunnel of anticipation?  I don’t think so.

Waiting builds value.

Anticipation increases hope.

And hope is what keeps us alive.

So as I walk our property each day, scouring every plant for buds, new leaves, or fresh growth, I’m really searching for life.  I’m searching for reassurance that Spring is coming soon and my hope is not in vain.  I’m searching for encouragement to keep going, keep holding on, because it won’t be long now.  And each green plant is like a little cheerleader cheering me on to the finish line.

Keep going!  Keep growing!

You can do it!

Don’t lose hope!

Spring is near!