Anticipation and Expectancy

Last night, I had the great opportunity to take part in a book discussion on a somewhat controversial book, The Shack. This was the third night that the group had met. It was pretty neat to be a part of a group talking about an interesting book that opens up some big questions. In this book, Mack meets up with the Papa (God), Jesus, and Sarayu (Holy Spirit) at this shack. I'm not going to go much further than that. However, here are some of the questions that came up... What happens when we die? Where is Jesus now? Do you want to get better? Wow, these types of questions quickly lead into some interesting discussion.

In addition, several words stuck out from the pages as I was skimming back over the pages during the discussion. Anticipation and expectation were two of those words.

"C'mon," said Jesus, interrupting Mack's thoughts. "I know you enjoy looking at stars! Want to?" He sounded just like a child full of anticipation and expectancy.

I really like thinking about this little exchange. I mean, Jesus asking this guy to look at stars with him. First of all, this makes Jesus seem so personable. The other part, though, is that Jesus invites Mack to look at the stars. He didn't just somehow magically make Mack want to look at the stars. Jesus invited him with anticipation and expectancy.

Mack's reply:

"Yeah, I think so," answered Mack, realizing that the last time he had done this was on an ill-fated camping trip with the kids. Maybe it was time to take a few risks.

So Mack was listening to Jesus and then responding to the question. Then he decides to step out and take a risk.

This little exchange reminded me of this past summer in Vermont. At night, we go outside and with our backs on the road, gaze up at the amazing stars. They were so amazingly bright - especially because our surrounding were so dark. The silence would be interrupted by "look, a shooting star." Yet, in those moments, everything seemed so different. Those moments were filled with anticipation and expectancy and wonder. A sense of awe pervaded the soul. A sense of being a part of something much grander filled the heart with hope.

This leaves me wondering tonight about what it would be like to live every single second with that type of anticipation and expectancy.