Anticipation

This week is a week of anticipation. My sister and her husband are coming on Saturday to spend a whole week with us. I can't wait to show them our world.

The older I get, the more I love to spend time with my family. But then I need to ask the question; WHY? Why is this my happy place?

For me, here are a few things I have come up with:

• Secure - They love me just as I am
• Acceptance - Even if they give advise and try to help in areas I struggle with they don't make me feel like they are trying to "fix" me as if I'm broken, or as if they have all the answers
• Happy - They are happy for me when I succeed
• Weep - They listen to me without judging me when I'm going through a tough time
• Respect - Their actions show they respect me and treat me as if I am valuable to them

And the list could go on . . . .

I am so thankful for this happy place. But then I look into scripture and see that with God as our father, he can supply all we need. Here are a few verses to contemplate.

Psalms 16:9-11: Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure . . . You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right had are pleasures forevermore.

Proverbs 14:9: Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance

John: 15:11: These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full

Romans 12:15: Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep

Jeremiah 31:3: I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.