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