A couple of months ago my husband and I spent a beautiful, snowy weekend at Yosemite National Park. I had never been there in the winter, and I really wanted to try hiking in the snow ( I know….believe me, if you know me at all, you have to know this surprises me as much as you!) The thing is….I really, really hate to be wet and cold, so once we decided to make the trip, I threw myself into careful “hike in the snow without getting wet” planning. I bought waterproof hiking boots, fleece leggings for layering and at least a dozen pair of wool/cotton blend socks. I had a waterproof jacket with a hood, multiple pairs of gloves and a variety of shirts to make just the perfect combo for any type of weather. When the weekend came, I was ready, and all the planning and preparation just added to my anticipation of what it would be like to experience winter at Yosemite!
Well, the weekend was nothing short of spectacular – all I had dreamed and more. Surrounded by incredible beauty, more trails than we could possibly hike in a few days and newly fallen, crunchy snow underfoot everywhere. (And because I had prepared well, I was warm and dry the whole time!) Anticipation (and preparation) is so much a part of the success of just about any trip, really. And tonight’s song speaks to my heart so well of a trip I anticipate more and more each day….
As Jesus sought to prepare his disciples for the eventuality of his death, he spoke of not only where he was going after this life, but also told them he was going to prepare places for them there as well. He made sure they knew his death wasn’t the end of their relationship – of their friendship and the love they shared between them. He created anticipation of their reunion even before they understood he would be leaving them…what a gift that must have been (for them, AND for us, as the invitation remains for all!)
Unlike my Yosemite trip, I don’t know when I’ll be making this one but I do know that I want to be prepared – I want to draw as close to Jesus as I possibly can while still here, and I want to extend his love through me to others so they’ll be able to know his love like I do. And the more I learn, the more I grow, the more I heal….my anticipation grows deeper and deeper as I long to see the One – face to face – who has saved me, kept me, healed me and loved me so well. I can’t even hardly fathom that moment! Then, once having met Him, not gonna lie….I’m heading straight for my boy and throwing my arms around him for an incredibly long, incredibly overdue hug. I have so much to anticipate!
Holding on to hope that never fades…. <3
“You Hold Me Now”
Hillsong United
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace
All my fears swept away
In the light of Your embrace
Where Your love is all I need
and forever I am free
Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence healed and whole
Let the songs of heaven rise to You alone
No weeping
No hurt or pain
No suffering
You hold me now, You hold me now
No darkness
No sick or lame
No hiding
You hold me now, You hold me now
In this life I would stand
through my joy and my pain
Knowing there’s a greater day
There’s a hope that never fades
Where Your name is lifted high
and forever praises rise
For the glory of Your name
I’m believing for the day
Where the wars and violence cease
All creation lives in peace
Let the songs of heaven rise to You alone
For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your Name [x4]
Beautifully said. I believe we all have those we can hardly wait to throw our arms around. Thank you Shellie for these incredible messages that you so willingly share.
I know you do….so we trust God while we’re here and anticipate that day! <3