| My
grandfather Allen used to quote: "Anticipation is
sweeter than realization." Isn't that true? Think
about the fate of the Christmas toys by New Years. Here
is another quote: "Familiarity breeds contempt."
How many times do we yearn for a possession and then take
it for granted too quickly after we acquire it? Grandpa
also said that getting married was like a man running
to catch a train; once he's seated and enjoying the trip,
he forgets all about how hard he had to run to catch a
ride. Remember how we first yearned to be able to drive
and shortly after this was accomplished, we couldn't wait
to have our own vehicle?
It seems to be human nature to always want more and more!
Satisfaction is difficult to achieve. If we are constantly
dissatisfied and wanting more, what will it take to find
true contentment? How about relationships? After all,
they don't usually cost money and storage space is generally
not a factor. They do require care, they do require thought,
they do require time. But, they can also provide great
happiness; there is nothing to compare with the joy of
loving and caring for others.
During my lecturing years, I was speaking at a men's service
club one day on the subject of children having too much,
too soon, too easily. A man raised his hand and shared
an experience with us: it seems his son expressed a desire
for a bicycle, so he bought a beautiful, new bike, and
placed it under the Christmas tree. At first, the boy
was thrilled, but soon, he began neglecting it and leaving
it out at nights. Finally, as expected, it was stolen,
so the boy asked his dad for another one. The father told
him he would have to earn his own money and buy it himself.
The boy did so, and the dad remarked on how much better
the son took care of the tattered used one he had acquired
with his own money. It reminded me of how much easier
it was to get my children to eat a food after they helped
me prepare it. It was even easier when they assisted in
growing it.
One of my favorite cartoons shows a young man perspiring,
with his tongue hanging out in anticipation, as he churns
away making his own ice cream. Don't you think he was
more appreciative than he would have been had he rushed
out and bought it at a nearby store? How our forefathers
did relish their handmade items after they were completed,
and what a peaceful picture it is to see a grandmother
stitching away her declining years.
In my life, I have often fasted. I abstain from food and
water and pray for a specific blessing. Usually, I pray
for a person; other times, I give thanks for what I already
enjoy. Though it is difficult, it turns out to be a blessing
because it helps me be humble and realize that "anticipation
is indeed sweeter than realization!"
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