expected?

I have discovered that, for the most part, there are two types of visitors or guests: expected and unexpected. I suppose that you could expand that to include 'unwanted,' as well...however, that's really a sub-category that could be contained in either one of them. Interestingly enough, the unexpected visitor might be as welcome as the one who has an 'appointment'. The difference lies in the effort of what I like to call "anticipation-preparation."

For example, when I am expecting a visit from a dear friend, I want everything to be as special as possible. It's not so I can put on airs; it's because their time is limited and precious...I just want them to have a very pleasant interlude in an often tedious life. I want them to be glad that they made the effort to come by; I want them to feel refreshed and renewed when they leave.

Similarly, when I am expecting a visit from one of the adult children in my life, I want everything to be warm and cozy for them. That doesn't include wasting hours cleaning and scrubbing the house to a spit-shine finish either. I believe that I keep a reasonably tidy house, so instead, I am going to spend my anticipation-preparation time gathering up fresh supplies for their favorite meals, making sure a well-loved movie is on hand, penciling in additional time for a quiet cup of coffee and some "us" time. With great anticipation, I prepare for this often long-awaited visit. At times, I am giddy with delight as I imagine their arrival: the warm smiles and tender embraces, the laughter and joyful tears...it's all good!

I mention these things today only because I have learned a powerful lesson about anticipation-preparation. And I am eager to share it. I believe that our great Father God is the same way. I believe that every day of our lives He is expecting a visit from us. Imagine this:

There's an air of excitement that cannot be dismissed. All the servants (angels in heaven) are rushing in and out, chattering happily about the visitor they are expecting. In anticipation of the visit, the Father is checking on everything, making certain that all the preparations are being made-to-order.
He gently reminds them, "now today, she will learn about her friend's illness...make sure there is an extra helping of healing on the table. And don't forget that financial crisis that is looming...prepare an unexpected blessing and two servings of peace. Freshen all the bouquets with lavish amounts of mercy and grace, that's always a beautiful centerpiece."  Oh! the joyful preparations that are occurring this very moment. Now, imagine His genuine sadness when you call to cancel, or worse yet...you don't even call!

It's true. Each new day, He spreads a table for us in anticipation of our visit. There is never an hour when the fruit bar (love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control) is not inspected and refreshed. Everything is always ready, and at the perfect temperature...all that is missing is the visitor. Trust me. His door is always open, even in the darkest night, (He'll leave the light on) you are always the expected visitor. Come early, stay late.