Anticipation

MON., DEC. 3, 1990, 5:50 AM
FARM, STUDY

The Advent season of the Christian year has begun, and this is a season of anticipation. Yet as you listened to the sermon yesterday you considered the both/and nature of this season – it is a time of anticipation, but at the same time you know the Christ has come, is here… and also was crucified. It is a season in which the reality of time is certainly challenged.

In this year (back into time again), on this day, there is another anticipation – that of a major earthquake where you live. Scientists aver that the earth must move again in some destructive way, and one makes the prediction that this day is the most likely for it to happy. You have made some preparations, but not in serious anticipation. Early in life you had the experience of a quake, and the memories are pleasant ones. You would expect some damage, but would not anticipate major injury to yourself or others you know.

And so anticipation can encompass both the joy of Christmas and the sadness of a natural earth tragedy. Why did I create the earth so that quakes are expected and necessary, from time to time? It is not possible for you to understand an answer to this question. I shall just say that there also are certain advantages to this “construction” that bring an unexpected stability to this small planet. It is not simple to create an orb that moves around the sun in just the right way, supports and encourages a wide range of life, including humanity, and has as few disasters as this earth has.

You might also ask, in a parallel theological query, why I created Jesus to come into the earth as Myself, only to be killed early in his manhood? Wasn’t there some less destructive way? You began the Advent season with Holy Communion, the remembrance of that last night that I was together with My disciples. You were privileged to help serve “the meal,” but your spirit did not fully enter into the seriousness of the remembrance. As you think about this you feel sad… and then you know that another communion service awaits you on New Year’s Eve. The failure to fully appreciate one is balanced by the anticipation of another, within the month.

You do not anticipate that this quake will occur, and still it is intriguing to consider various degrees of destruction. You do not anticipate that if it should occur you would be killed. At the same time an anticipation of leaving this life for another spiritual realm is a proper one. You should not be attached to this life, as you live it… in terms of your body and mind, but also in terms of your job, your residence, and your basic stability. Be willing to give up everything you have, for sacrifice makes for much spiritual growth. The first requirement is true willingness. Actual loss is not always necessary.

Thus, you can prepare in certain ways, but be aware that such preparedness represents some degree of attachment. You see, if you had prepared as some have done you would then have wasted effort and money if no quake comes. How much do I want you to use your mind in rational ways, taking actions that seem right to “take care of yourself,” and how much do I want you to trust in me for the blessings that only I can bestow. Earth life, with knowledge of spiritual reality, is certainly some balance, but what is the right one?

The sky is such that you can anticipate sunshine today, but also increasing cold temperatures. You anticipate these because you have experienced them before. You would not look forward to a cold night if the quake made your home uninhabitable, even though you know it would be a great spiritual challenge. What all will this day bring. At its end do not be greatly relieved or greatly disappointed. Rather, live the day fully, with the expectation of joy in any moment.