Expectations are a big part of life! There are few days that can deliver or smash our expectations like valentine's day - especially to a young boy or girl, man or woman. I was in 3rd grade - and a shoebox was far more than a simple shoebox, at least one time each year. Back then, in the old days as my kids like to say, each student transformed a shoe box into a wonderfully colored and image laden valentine card receptacle. I always loved working on the shoe box, but to be honest my favorite part was not the decorations, but what would be put into the shoe box - valentine candies of all sorts, shapes and sizes (as long as it fit into the little opening I had cut with mom's scissors).
This particular valentine's day was going to be special (aren't they all??). I just knew that I would get every valentine card I wanted and ONE in particular from the curly headed girl that sat next too me all year long! She was a cutie and I was certain that I would be her 'main valentine' that year. Yes, you guessed it there were always the 'stand out' cards that represented more than just a valentine wish. Much more, in fact. They represented life long expectations coming to fruition and complete bliss for the one to receive that 'special' card. You could spot these cards a mile away because they were twice the size of all the others and had more than those flat cherry suckers that came with every card in the universe back then.
The day finally came! Boxes came in and, I must say, mine looked great. I placed my box on the counter next to the others already there and then rushed to my seat waiting expectantly for my valentine to come in the door and to hear the chorus of 'oohs and aahs' from all my classmates. It was customary for one to bring in the cards and as they entered to go right ahead and insert all their candies into each individual box. Then she entered the room - time stood still and she did have one card larger than all the others. I was so excited that I couldn't even watch her put the cards in the box - so, I closed my eyes with great expectation and waited until they were all done. Then, my third grade teacher did the unthinkable, at least from a 7 year old perspective, she made us wait until the end of the day to actually check our boxes. It was a Charlie Brown, AAA UGH, moment for sure.
That day crawled by - until finally at 3:05 p.m. the bell rang. I grabbed my box and, while all my friends dug into theirs, I simply ran out the door to the car line and waited for my mom to pick me up. Finally, I got home. My beautiful box went the way of all flesh as I quickly destroyed it in order to get into the goodies. And, much to my dismay - there was no 'stand out you're my special friend' card in my box that day. Nope, I got twenty three cherry red suckers all inserted in little purple and pink cards that read 'Be my valentine.' Now, don't get too choked up. I was still only 7, so twenty three red suckers was like hitting gold.
As we continue focusing on relationships this year, I want to ask you a question. Who or what are your expectations of real love this year? Are you looking for that 'one special friend' card to finally come your way this Sunday on Valentine's day? Are you expecting that one person to make this day the best ever in your life? Are you praying that he or she just will not forget this year and at least get you a card? Perhaps, you are placing your hopes in the wrong things or better yet in the wrong person. Relationships in life are crucial but they remain unfulfilled until we receive the 'long expected one!' The greatest expectation of them all has been fulfilled in the coming of Christ and, if you see Him rightly this weekend and seek Him first in life, then all other expectations seem to fall into place! Join us this Sunday as we look at 'The Expected One and Real Love' from Luke chapter 7!
From His Grace, For His Glory!
Biz
Biz
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