Anticipate the Good
While reviewing my clients travel documents I came across a quote in their African Safari pre planning kit. It was an Ethiopian proverb that read, “Anticipate the good so that you may enjoy it.”
Many times I’ve seen the excitement and anticipation of clients as they wait expectantly for their travel dates to arrive. To be setting out on adventures and to finally be taking their dream vacations.
Another couple who had been planning their 50th Anniversary trip for almost a year experienced a medical emergency two days before they were to depart. Thankfully, in time she will heal, but their trip had to be cancelled. Her comment was, “At least we had the year of anticipation and that will be enough.” What a great attitude!
I began to think about how often I anticipate a certain outcome or response from others and then my attitude has aligned with that expectation be it positive or negative. Too often I have expected the negative and my attitude has shown it. But what if I followed the words of that Ethiopian proverb and anticipated the good? At the very least I would have a positive attitude regardless of the outcome.
For example, if I expect that someone is going to be late for an event because they usually are late for everything, I can either wait in frustration or I can wait in hope that they will arrive on time. If they are late at least I had a good attitude in the waiting and if they are on time, then I can be even more joyful at their arrival.
In my job I see many people get anxious both in good and bad ways prior to traveling. I find myself doing the same thing. We have the opportunity to take a quick get-a-way in a few weeks. One of the activities that we will be participating in is marlin fishing. I’m so excited for Tracy to finally be able to try this.
I get sea sick very easily and on our last vacation found that sea bands are amazing for motion sickness. So for the first time I will be fishing with Tracy on an ocean adventure. I have found my mind getting anxious about what will happen and I don’t want to ruin the experience for him if I get sick.
There is another quote even better than the Ethiopian proverb that I am going to hold on to. It is found in Philippians 4:6-8:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
It’s all about thinking the right way. Dwelling on what is true and thanking God for the situations and opportunities.
As I read the details of our upcoming excursion one paragraph mentioned all the different types of fish that we could possibly catch along with a variety of sharks that may be lurking in the waters. That statement made me a bit anxious on top of the fear I already have of the ocean. But rather than focus on it I am going to set my mind on the last paragraph of the excursion details which read:
“Fishing is also a calming sport that takes patience, and a little luck, giving you a chance to be at peace with the ocean. And this private fishing charter will let you kick back and relax in the sea with only your close friends and family. Feel free to bring your own lunch and beverages, enjoying them while that calming Pacific sea breeze rustles through your hair.”
No that sounds much better! I’ve also been thinking of the many times that Jesus was out on a fishing boat. Sometimes he taught, one time he slept and another calmed the sea. My husband has a hat that has a picture of a cross and the words, “Who’s in the boat with you?”
The truth is that He will be right there with me and I have nothing to fear. He has given me this opportunity and whatever the day brings will be an adventure and I will anticipate the good until the Pacific sea breeze is rustling through my hair and I am enjoying the day with those in the boat.
My Prayer
Father, thank you for this opportunity to get a way with my husband and have a new adventure together. Help me to remember that You are with me and I have nothing to fear. In other areas of my life I pray that I will begin to anticipate the good, see the good and give You thanks for it. I love the way You work Lord and I look forward to what You have in store for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Where does my help come from?
Philippians 4:6-8
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”