Tears threatened and her voice quavered as she told her story.
She met the children on a mission trip to Leon, Nicaragua, serving with Voice of Hope Ministries. She joked with the Nicaraguan women that her name was Diva. Even the children called her that!
The children…oh, the children! She loved them, and they showered her with hugs and love. Every picture she posted during the week showed a child in each arm and some on her lap. Children were hanging around her everywhere. The love of the children made it hard to leave after a week of serving. On the last day, she was visiting with the women at an outdoor cafe. Suddenly, she heard the call:
Diiivaaaa!! Diiivaaa!!
The kids came running to her for one last hug.
When will you return? Tomorrow? Next week? Don’t go, Diiivaaa!
Hopping from one foot to the other, they eagerly awaited her response. Several held their breath, trembling and shivering in anticipation. They were ready NOW for her to return!
There’s just something about the excitement of a child. It bubbles up and overflows like lava. They can’t hold it in! They wiggle and squirm and jump with suppressed energy.
You’ve felt it, haven’t you? A heightened sense of something special in store; the impatience of waiting for special guests to arrive.
Isn’t this how we should await Christ’s return? With eagerness and joy? Are you looking forward to His coming? Are you watching and waiting?
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.” Philippians 3:20 (NLT)
Equally as important is this: Are we ready? Are we preparing for His coming?
When family and friends come for a visit, I prepare for days in advance. In the flurry of activity, I wonder: Is the house clean? Is their room ready? Do I have enough food on hand? I’m very focused and intentional, knowing exactly what work needs to be done.
[tweetthis]Await Christ’s return with childlike delight; prepare for His return with deliberate purpose.[/tweetthis]
We need to be intentional while we are watching and waiting for Christ. Preparing for His return is actively waiting. There is much work to be done.
“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NLT)
Wait with expectancy, watch with excitement, work with enthusiasm until the Great Day. And may we be like the children in Nicaragua when we see Him: overflowing with excitement!
Until next week,
Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!
Suzie Eller, Live Free Thursday
Susan at Dance with Jesus
Barbie at The Weekend Brew
Kelly at Purposeful Faith
Holly at Testimony Tuesday
Holley at Coffee for Your Heart
Jennifer at Tell His Story
Jana at Sweet to the Soul
Love this reminder Ellen, to await Christ’s return with childlike joy! Also glad we are citizens of the same place 🙂 This was a beautiful story, tying in so well with the hope we have in Christ.
Thank you Doris! So glad you visited today!
Isn’t the excitement of children just contagious? It is one of my favorite aspects when I get to serve the children where I work. Any time I see one of them it is like I am a rock star 🙂 Thank you for the reminder that I need to be looking for Jesus with the same eagerness and anticipation.
Blessings,
Sarah
Sarah, you ARE a rock star to those sweet children! And can’t we learn so much from them? Their innocence and excitement teach us so much. Thanks for visiting!
We adults can be so caught up in the day-to-day “reality” of living that we forget to live with expectancy. Thank you for this beautiful reminder.
On a more personal level my good NI friends could use some encouragement right now. Hubs had an accident and is in rehab down thee for several weeks. I’m sure Charlene would appreciate a sweet, encouraging visit. Thank you.
Oh, Libby, I’m so sorry to hear this! Thank for letting me know!
This is so good, Ellen: Wait with expectancy, watch with excitement, work with enthusiasm until the Great Day.
Let’s do it! He IS coming back! 🙂
And probably sooner than we imagine Betsy!
Those kiddos are so cute!!! And, I love that graphic. It’s beautiful but not only that but those 3 “W”s are a call to action that is needed.! xxxooo
High praise coming from you, my friend! I consider you the Queen o’ Graphics!! Thank you!
I’m excited to see Him someday! Thanks for the reminder to keep working for Him until He returns. I’m your neighbor at the RaRa link-up. : )
Hi Cathy! Thanks for visiting. Yes, there’s work to be done, and we can work with great excitement!
Hi Ellen! You are so right. The return of the Lord will be an amazing event, a time of sweet reunion and grace. I should be hopping in excitement, and getting ready too!
What a beautiful story you have here, one of love and service that you don’t find everywhere. God bless Diva and those children!
Have a great Tuesday 🙂
Ceil
Oh yes, Ceil – sweet reunion and grace indeed! What a wonderful day it will be! Thank you for stopping by, I always enjoy your visits 🙂