As a child, I used to wake my mom up about hourly as Christmas Eve turned to Christmas morning. “Is it time yet? Is it time yet?” Anticipation!
I didn’t grow out of it.
Unbelievably, I gave birth to two daughters who were quite content to sleep until a reasonable hour, even on Christmas Day. Do you know what I did as a young mom? Starting about 2:00 or 3:00 AM, I would be up, closing cupboard doors, walking up and down the hallway, doing what I could to wake my kids. Anything short of opening their door and saying, “Get up! It’s Christmas.” I was anticipating their excitement when they opened their gifts. And that anticipation increased my own excitement.
Of course, that memory is decades old now. As an empty nester, there are no little kids to wake up these days. But I still get excited when I have something to anticipate.
And I’ve got a doozy to be excited about!
In October, I will be flying into Tel Aviv to begin a two week biblical studies trip in Israel. The team is led by Kristi McLelland. My heart has long wanted to visit the land of the Messiah’s birth. I want to walk in the places where He walked. I want to dip my fingers into the Sea of Galilee. I want to look down at the Judean Desert and imagine His forty days in the wilderness. All that and so very much more.
Laugh if you want, but I’ve already started a little pre-packing. I’ve got my backpack and my water bottle. I’ve got my electrical adaptors suitable for Israel. I’ve got a pair of trail running shoes, not that I’ll be running. I’ve got a special new notebook for the lessons, and I’ve got a thinline Bible that will be easy to carry along every day (I’ll leave my beloved study Bible at home; it’s too heavy plus I wouldn’t want to risk losing it).
About seven years ago, I started reading books that teach the Bible through a Middle Eastern lens. That practice really opened my eyes to new understanding as I read my Bible. But it was Kristi McLelland’s study, Jesus and Women, that made the biggest difference for me, and I am so grateful for that wonderful study (I’ve hosted two groups of women through it).
Right now I am going through Kristi’s audio study on Israel for the second time. Whether or not you think you would ever visit Israel, this study is worth doing.
Okay, picture me for the next eight months, walking up and down the hallway, not trying to wake my daughters but just too excited to sleep because I’m anticipating this trip of a lifetime. The Land is calling to me.
Is there something in your future that you’re anticipating with excitement?
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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After living 65 of my 75 years in Alabama, my husband and I are moving to Texas to be near our son and daughter and their families. Although we’re sad to leave longtime friends, we know this is the move for us. We look forward to family time, new friends and a new church. I’m praying God will lead us to the church where we can best serve him. I know you will be blessed by your trip to Israel and will feel a closer walk with our Savior. Keep being excited!
Harriet, moving to be closer to your family is a big deal and certainly something to anticipate. My youngest daughter and family moved to Corpus Christi almost 12 years ago. May God bless you with a wonderful new church family.
I’m so excited for you, Robin! I’ve done two Bible studies with Kristi McLelland, and I’ve loved them. She really opens your eyes to the culture and time, giving so much insight. I’m sure it will be an amazing trip and bring you much joy! I’m so glad you can go!
Thanks so much, Carrie. I’ve done Kristi’s Gospel on the Ground, but Jesus and Women remains my favorite. I have three of her audio studies, but have only completed the Israel 101 thus far. The trip was truly a gift from God.
Anticipation is such a great feeling! I’m anticipating several events/trips coming up this summer, including a 60th anniversary party for my parents and a trip to Boston to see our daughter!
Wow! 60th for your parents. That is certainly a joyful occasion to anticipate. And every visit to see a child is wonderful too.
What a wonderful experience that is going to be, Robin! I’m so excited for you! You are going to love every minute of it, I’m sure. How marvelous that you will be traveling with the very woman who has already made a big impact on you through her writings. Soak up every moment then come back and share it all with us. 🙂
Thanks, Karen. Yes, it will be even more special because I’m going with Kristi. I may be sharing about it for years after I return. A friend told me she expects some great books to come out of this. I hope so!
I LOVE that you’ll be taking this trip, Robin! It sounds like the trip of a lifetime and the anticipation leading up to it will be sweet.
Thanks, Becky. It will definitely be a trip of a lifetime. I’ll probably frame the stamped pages from my passport after it expires.
You will Enjoy it so much. I fell in love with Israel the first time i was there. In March I will go there for the 14th time. Going there with Kristi will be extra special.
Oh my goodness, Eli. Fourteen trips to Israel. What a blessing.
I’m so excited for you, Robin! What a blessing. As a last-minute packer married to a pack-WAY-in-advance man, it cracks me up that you’re already packing! We may be headed to Israel next spring with some friends from our “old” church in Kansas where we used to live. Praying God paves the way for a wonderful trip for your group!
Oh, how great that you and Ken might go to Israel next year. I’ll only know three people on this team of 40, but I expect to come home with 36 new friends who are also brothers and sisters in the Lord.
For now, my “advance packing” is just putting things in a plastic bin in my closet. But if I had the room, I would have a suitcase open on my floor and just keep adding to it.
I’m actually going to Israel too! That’s what I’m most looking forward to. My church is planning a trip for November and I’m counting down already!
How wonderful, Abbigail. I’ll come home in early November. Who knows? Maybe we’ll pass in the airport.
That would be awesome!
That sounds like an amazing trip, and I am delighted that you’ve already started packing! My big anticipation is that in June, hubby and I are being promoted to grandparent status! I can’t wait, and I’m already thinking about the fun we’ll have with our granddaughter (that’s right, it’s a girl!).
So thrilled for you, Robin. I went to Israel in college–which is more years ago than I want to remember, so I know things have changed a LOT. Take lots of pictures and carry a notebook. 🙂 You will love it!