I was walking through a store a few days before Christmas with the rush of shoppers all around; conversations and clerks, shoppers, and carts. I finished my transaction and was on my way out of the store when one conversation, or I should say one statement, rose above the din – it was the only thing I clearly heard as I left. One woman said to another, “I can’t tell you how much Star Wars has changed my life.”
Now admittedly, I did not hear the conversation leading up to or following this statement. It may have gone like this: “All my kids want for Christmas is anything Star Wars. I can’t tell you how much Star Wars has changed my life.” Or “I can’t tell you how much Star Wars has changed my life. As long as I talk Star Wars with the kids, they actually talk to me.”
As I considered the conversation clip that I heard, I recalled the hype that led up to opening night. It was big news and there were a lot of people eager to see it as soon as it came out.
That reminded me of the many new gadgets and iPhones that have come out with a long line anxiously awaiting their arrival.
What is it that you are eagerly anticipating? A trip? Graduation? A Bonus? Marriage? It could be anything. Although I am not prone to stand in line for a new gadget there are other things that capture my attention and focus. Usually, for me, it’s when I have meticulously planned a great surprise (and I have come up with some doozies). The anticipation of the event captures my attention for weeks leading up to it. I get butterflies in my stomach. I experience excitement and joy leading up to the event. Sound silly? What is it for you? Star Wars? iPhones? Travel? A new purse? If you take a moment, I’m sure you can think of something that grabs your focus in anticipation.
As I shared this woman’s statement with my husband, I realized that far too many things in this world attract our attention. Things “change our lives” that shouldn’t.
I wonder: Do I anticipate the return of Christ as much as the surprise I’m planning? Do you anticipate the return of Jesus with the same enthusiasm as you do that thing that grabs your attention?
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Col 3:1-2
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” Philippians 3:20
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8
I can’t say that my heart is always most eager for His appearing. I do get distracted by many things. I long to yearn for that which is most important to HIM. How about you?
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.