Friday, January 15, 2010

Eager Anticipation


They emerge from their dog houses when they hear me approach. Sunshine or rain. Regardless of the temperature. The conditions don't matter. Their tails wag in eager anticipation. Our two retrievers never cease to bring a smile to my face.


After a fitful night of sleep, I struggled to wake up this morning. Seeing my daughter off to school, was followed by a leisurely breakfast and time spent in God's Word. I must admit, I was anything but perky. Battling the urge to head up the stairs and climb back into my cozy bed, I opted to don my winter coat, wrap my scarf snugly around my head, pull on my gloves, and head out to feed the dogs.


There they were. Ready to greet me and drive the 'blahs' from my day. They look forward to individual attention. Each of our dogs enjoy being petted and hugged. Precious loves to have her belly rubbed. Joe loves to play ball. It goes without saying that both of them enjoy their food, especially when it includes special treats. Scraps of meat. Or the neighbor's homemade doggy biscuits. After some time spent with our loving pets, I was in a much better frame of mind to tackle the responsibilities of the day.


As I headed back into the house, I couldn't get the image of those wagging tails out of my mind. Incredible enthusiasm. What if I adopt the attitude of my dogs? What if I eagerly anticipate what my Master has for me every day? He assures me that He is accessible all the time. I don't need to make an appointment. "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3; KJV).


Sunshine and rain are as much a part of the weather forecast; as ups and downs are a part of life. Not one of life's circumstances catches my Master by surprise. Whether big or small, He is ever faithful to walk closely by my side. He encourages me to take off the burdens I've been carrying and leave them at His feet. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
Even when life threatens to overwhelm me, His Word is full of help to carry me through. At a particularly difficult time in David's life he cried out to God, "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. from the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah" (Psalms 61:1-4).


May I run with eager anticipation to my Master no matter the 'weather' or 'temperature' of life. He is always there to give me exactly what I need. All the loving attention. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee" (Jeremiah 31:3b). And along with the nourishing 'food' of His Word, He oftentimes mixes in 'goodies.' Those 'delicious' things that go so far beyond my wildest expectations! He IS able to do, "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20).


Are you eagerly anticipating what the Master has for you? He alone, has everything you need. Let Him encourage your heart, today!

11 comments:

  1. I think I will do that very thing. Thanks for nudging me:)
    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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  2. Hi Maria -

    I sure hope you're submitting to devotional publishers. Thanks for always pointing us to the Master.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  3. Some good, positive thoughts to begin a day or a new project. "May I run with eager anticipation to my Master no matter the 'weather' or 'temperature' of life." Amen! Good post, Maria

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  4. Maria, our dog's tail looks like it is going to fly off sometimes. Isn't it wondrous to see their love for us?

    How much more should we be excited to see our Savior, you ask? So much more. Great analogy. And I love having devotion with you. It blesses my week. I want Jesus to know that I run to him with anticipation.

    Thank you for praying for my sweet Christopher. Have a great weekend. I'm unplugging next week. I'll see you right after. "-)

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  5. There is nothing better than the happy feeling of being greeted by a dog! What a great picture!

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  6. Ditto Karen! I've been nudged and it feels like the best idea all day.

    God bless Maria.

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  7. Oh yeah, I think God would love it if I acted like that! Thanks for the image. :-) I could use more eagerness for Jesus in my life.

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  8. Love that analogy, Maria! I'd love to approach each day with that kind of enthusiasm too! We have a dog too, and the other thing that I like so much is that they love so unconditionally. I guess we have a lot to learn from our dogs, don't we? :-)

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  9. Karen - Praying that He encouraged your heart today! Thanks for being so faithful to post your comments! God bless!

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  10. Susan - Thank you for that word of encouragement! You made my day! I do plan on submitting a compilation of devotionals, just in the research phase right now! Blessings to you!

    Warren - It's always a blessing to know that others enjoy my posts! To Him be the glory! God bless!

    Robyn - Thanks for your ever-encouraging spirit! I consider it a privilege that you stop by and read my posts. God is so good! Speaking of privilege, I'm honored to be able to lift Christopher up in prayer! God's blessings on you and your family!

    Kristen - Enjoy cuddling your doggie before the big moving day!! Look forward to hearing from you soon! God bless!

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  11. Tamika - Praying that He's encouraged your heart in a special way today! Blessings to you!

    Jessica - Thanks for stopping by! Our dogs never cease to give me inspiration for devotions!! Kind of a funny thought! Whatever it takes, I guess!What a great goal to have more 'eagerness for Jesus!' God bless!

    Jody - Learning from my dogs is a constant!! You're absolutely right about the unconditional love part! Seems I've got more lessons to learn from them!! Blessings to you and your family!

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