Anticipation is a word that can elicit my memories of being a kid, waiting for a holiday, or an upcoming outing, even dinnertime with the family. There is a wonderful sense of excitement that anticipation can bring. And I think that it is sorely missing in our culture. Instant gratification may seem to be exciting, but it fades just as quickly as it comes.
Anticipation, the waiting, and striving for a thing, an event, or an accomplishment, is what brings satisfaction and joy into our lives. All of the things we wait for, have greater significance. That is because of the time factor. When a goal is achieved, the memory of effort and preparation and yearning is factored into the experience. Anticipation makes that memory special.
Looking forward to something is especially appealing to me. Thinking about an upcoming occasion makes it all the more delightful when it comes. It can make a person happy just thinking about it. That is not to say that there may be the possibility of disappointment. But to me, it’s worth my effort. It’s worth taking that chance.
In the years that have passed since I was growing up, I have seen instant gratification take hold. I find it very sad. It is more likely to cause disappointment and it takes away so much of the joy anticipation can bring. And it cannot satisfy as much as the experience of waiting and longing for something. That expectation intensifies the satisfaction one feels when what a person is waiting for, comes to fruition.
There is an attitude of being thankful that can accompany anticipation’s goal. And it is an exercise that builds character. It is a quest that enriches our lives.
Remember the old English proverb that says “ all things come to those who wait,” which is sometimes said as “good things come to those who wait.” Either way, they are positive statements that encourage patience. Anticipation definitely requires patience. And these are good enough reasons for me to continue to anticipate the blessings I always find when I am willing to wait for them.