Being ready

Recently, a man whose father had suffered with AlS, was asked what one word of advice he would give to anyone with this today. The man thought only a moment, and then said, "Anticipation!"

His father had this problem in a day when there were very few devices to help with the handicapping issues that come with the disease. He said, his dad would try to 'anticipate' what the next step in the process of the ailment might be. Then he would seek out someone who knew how to invent some kind of a device to handle the issue. (i.e. a plastic brace for a leg etc.). He was always anticipating.

There is a certain kind of anticipating that none of wants or needs to do; for instance, always thinking about the consequences of a particular ailment. But there is wisdom in being ready for what lies ahead.

This can be said in the spiritual life, as well. We need to be ready to serve and to share our faith. However, even more importantly, we need to be ready to close this preface to life we are dealing with now, move on to the main chapter, and meet the One who has always been there...the One to whom we are finally responsible. Amos 4:12, that verse that we are used to seeing along the highways, is really more than a road sign about preparing to meet God. It is an urging to anticipate, to be ready for what each of us will experience. Personally I'm thankful for the good news of His mercy in the cross. That makes all the difference in the world.