Anticipation

Anticipation. Wow, does that bring back childhood memories for me! I remember anticipating so many things—birthdays, vacations, a trip to the beach, or some experience that was new or different. How time seemed to drag by as I looked forward to these things. (Maybe impatience was already present in me at an early age. Maybe!)

Recently, I was observing the eager anticipation I saw in my friend as he talked about an upcoming event he’d been planning to attend. He’d spoken about it and looked forward to it for weeks now, and his eyes lit up every time he went over his plans. I thought to myself, There’s so much joy in him right now. I guess I don’t focus on anticipation as often as I should; and by not noticing it, I’m really missing out.

Not long ago, I was listening to a podcast and the host was talking about things that make us happy. He said that when he was in college, he just loved making unannounced trips back home to surprise his parents. “Oh, how they loved it!” he said, “But then, one of my friends suggested that instead of surprising my family like that, perhaps I would consider letting them know I was coming. That way, they could anticipate, plan, and prepare for those wonderful visits—and each time they thought of me, they could feel the joy of anticipation for our upcoming reunion!”

His words gave me pause, because like him, I thought I was bringing great joy to loved ones when I showed up unexpectedly. However, in retrospect, not only did I rob them of the joy of anticipation, but perhaps caused them some consternation by not giving them time to plan or prepare something special!

So how do I apply anticipation to my recovery? Well, I try my best to enjoy each day, each moment I have left in life while eagerly anticipating what God has in store for me.

How do I apply it to my friends in recovery? I’ve learned to point out their progress—and then let them know what’s coming! More joy. More friendships. More ways to be useful to God and to others.

I share with them that as I’ve grown closer to God, I’ve learned to recognize His will better. I’ve grown in understanding and effectiveness in helping others. I’ve learned to love more deeply, and I’ve experience great joy as I’ve realized that I can face life successfully without the need to use any substances to numb out my emotions. I tell them that this is what they’ll experience, too. And when they catch that ray of hope … well, let’s just say that the look in their eyes is priceless!

Yes, anticipation is a wonderful emotion. I so look forward to the joy of watching those I help turn around and help others, and I’m so blessed to be a part of their recovery. I believe our lives really do depend on our constant thought of others and how we can help them live sober, productive, happy, and useful lives.

There’s something else I eagerly anticipate in my recovery friends—that spark of joy that comes as God’s Spirit warms their heart, and they begin to recognize that He cares for them. His outpouring of love and tender care quickly flows through them and they begin caring for others, too. And that’s an experience I never want to miss!

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy … being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:3–6).