Anticipation. . . .

We can never know about the days to come, but we think about them anyway. –Carly Simon


Carly Simon had a hit song in the ‘70s that was picked up by a ketchup company and used in their television commercials. Thick, rich ketchup, brimming with tomatoey goodness, oozed from the bottle at a snail’s pace, hovering over a perfect char-grilled burger or pile of crispy, golden fries. Anticipation. . . .

And meanwhile, back in the real world, we want to smack that bottle hard, shake it impatiently. We do not want to wait. Just like children in the weeks before Christmas, we want to know what’s inside, and we want to know now.

We just aren’t very good at waiting, are we?

And now, upstairs, our Sanctuary is cloaked in secrecy, gift-wrapped in black plastic and duct tape—and those darned signs, like the labels on those special gifts imploring, Do  not open til December 25! CAUTION. HARD HAT AREA. Suddenly there is nothing we want more than a peek inside. (Admit it. We have all wanted to shake a gift under the tree.)

But don’t do it. Take a deep breath. Trust that what’s happening in darkness behind those closed doors is in caring, capable hands. In God’s time (and on Higley’s schedule), the mystery will be revealed in all its beauty. Please. For your own safety, resist the urge to pick at the paper or peek inside. Let it go . . . and imagine the joy in October when we finally open the gift! (There will be opportunities down the road to take a peek. We promise.)


Monday Today, be aware of your waiting behavior. When you are in line or waiting for an elevator, how does it “feel” inside? Psalm 40:1-3

Tuesday Pause today and pray for the dedicated crew and the work they are doing in our Sanctuary. Give thanks. Isaiah 30:18

Wednesday Reflect on a time when your circumstance felt beyond your control. If this is painful, acknowledge that with God. Rest in God’s grace. Titus 2:11-14

Thursday Reflect today on the greater Church. Honestly consider how well we as a congregation model the Church which Jesus calls us to be. Pray God continues to be our true leader. Malachi 2:15

Friday (Independence Day) Give thanks today for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Pray for those around the world suffering religious persecution (and not just Christians). 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Saturday As you pray today for yourself, offer to God a place in your life where you are aware you have bias. (Admit it. We all do.) Ask for forgiveness and wisdom to change. 1 Kings 3:12

Sunday As we gather for worship, give thanks for your family of faith, and pray again for those who lead, both professional and lay. Is there a way you, too, might serve? Dare to ask God. Daniel 12:3


I’m never going back; the past is in the past. –Kristen Anderson-Lopez

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