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There are a few events in my life that I can vividly remember the wait:
My wedding day and the birth of my two sons. I remember the feeling of complete and utter lack of control I had on the arrival of these days. I came face to face with the reality that all I could do was keep moving forward, living day in and day out with that small soft voice counting down the days in the back of my mind. I woke up each morning knowing that something more (something better perhaps) was coming, and time always seemed to slow down when I brought the anticipation of these events to the center of my focus.
Seven years into marriage and those two sweet boys now 2- and 4-years old, time has passed in the blink of an eye. Time is funny like that, especially when you have children. It’s been said before that the days are long but the years are short. I’m in a constant push and pull of wanting to be through a season while begging time to stand still when a milestone is achieved. I’m not sure I’ll ever get a full night sleep without tiny feet pushing into my ribcage, or I’ll ever have a quiet morning without being bothered. I’m asking myself if I have the ninja skills required to sneak in their bed without waking them to steal a sleepy cuddle.
My autopilot in seasons of waiting is to fill my days and mind to remove the anticipation of what could be or is to come. For our family, the Christmas season is one of the busiest, but this Advent season I’m reminding myself that nowhere in God’s word am I told to hurry. I’m told to take heed and be watchful (Mark 13). I’m told to look ahead (Philippians 3) and in the wait I can keep a glad heart because I’ve been given peace (John 14).
This Advent season, I’m focusing on slowing down to enjoy the magic and joy Christmas brings.
I’m slowing down to be present and spend time with those I love most.
I’m slowing down to focus on why we celebrate, to be available for those in need and to offer hope to those who lack it.
I’m slowing down to soak in the story of those who waited with anticipation of the Savior’s birth and placing myself there with them.
I’m slowing down to learn how to welcome the wait with anticipation, knowing greater things are coming.
In seasons where the wait seems like forever and the anticipation of what “could be” overcrowds my thoughts and disables me to move forward, I’m reminding myself that I can look ahead with great joy because I know what’s coming:
An inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
A perfected body, mind and soul.
A homecoming where all my fears are demolished and my joy is made complete.
A future that fully satisfies my every need that will never leave me wanting more.
All because of a baby that was born in a manger. The Savior of the world.
The foreshadowing of what’s to come one day when Christ returns and we are made right, and joined with God in heaven.
This is the greatest story of anticipation I’ve ever known.
Nicole Robie adventures in Salt Lake City with her former wedding singer, turned worship pastor husband and two wild and creative sons. She believes that maturity is measured by how well we love, and is passionate about encouraging women to know the truth that comes from the Bible alone. She writes about life and faith on her blog, nicolerobie.com, and you can typically find her with a re-heated cup of coffee and a half-read novel.