cktimes.ca Archives for The Pastoral Lens
The Pastoral Lens
Earnest Expectation
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Do you remember the commercial for Heinz ketchup from years ago? It shows a boy at a diner, sitting in front of a plate of french fries. He is trying to coax some Heinz ketchup out of an inverted bottle on to his food. There is a tune playing in the background with these words: "Anticipation is makin' me wait." Anticipation and expectation go hand in hand. Hope is nothing more than earnest expectation.I had the privilege of being at Terminal 3 of the Pearson International Airport in Toronto this past Saturday night. I was there with a number of people from my church, waiting for the arrival of Cathay Pacific's flight 828 coming in from Hong Kong. A team of 10 people, 3 of whom were from our church, were returning from a 9-day trip in China. The atmosphere in the airport that night was electric with anticipation as loved ones gathered to greet those coming off the various flights. In addition to the flight from Hong Kong, there were also people returning from ski trips in the Vermont/Maine region, Spring Break getaways in Miami, and various other domestic and international flights. The receiving area was jammed with people, each one vying for precious space along the rail to catch the first glimpse of their loved one coming down the ramp out of the customs area.
As we waited patiently for the delayed arrival of the Hong Kong flight, I began to take notice of the people around me. A man behind us, identifying himself simply as 'Joe', a Polish immigrant from the Brampton area, was waiting for a female passenger on the flight from Warsau. It had arrived, but for some reason, his friend was tied up in customs. You could tell he was frustrated. He was ready for her, though, with a luggage cart and a fist full of red roses. The drooping bouquet seemed to mirror his demeanor as he complained of the long wait. Nevertheless, he was excited as he anticipated his friend's arrival down the ramp. I also noticed several Chinese families with small children. It was such a touching sight to see them burst through the security rail to embrace their grandmother or grandfather or whoever. One young girl was just so overjoyed when her mother arrived. She literally kept shouting out, "Mommy! Mommy!" as she leaped into the young mother's arms.
I even surprised myself when the first of our expected team members began the descent down the ramp. I instinctively shouted, "David!" as I thrust my arm in the air and waved frantically. A hope fulfilled will do that to a person. I had such joy surge through me as each one made their way to us. I had been staying in contact with our team regularly while they were away through e-mails and phone calls, however, a gush of emotion came to the surface when we were reunited again that night.
I spoke with another man from our church, whose son was on this team. We discussed how the scene in the airport that night could be a foretaste of heaven for the believer in Christ Jesus. What a joy it will be to arrive at the portals of heaven and see those loved ones who have passed on before, eagerly waiting my arrival. I really don't know how things will play out when that time comes, but I do know it will be a precious time. Jesus Himself will be the main attraction to be anticipated.
I should mention that not all the passengers arriving were greeted in such jubilant fashion. I happened to notice a travel-weary businessman, despondently dragging his suitcase and garment bag, as he made his way down the ramp. Amidst the noise of the crowd that night, he silently made his way past them, alone on his journey to his rental car which would take him to his lonely hotel room. No well-wishers. No squealing children. No bouquets of roses. And no anticipation. This would simply be yet another business trip, a dime a dozen in his corporate world. His expressionless countenance reminded me of the many poor souls in this world who are living without hope. The realities of Christ's blessings are a mere figment of one's imagination to them as they trudge along through life. Are you one of these people? If so, may I suggest a good book for you to read? It is the New Testament. The man from my church offered one of these to Joe, the Polish man waiting for his friend. His eyes brightened when he received it. Boy, is he in for some good stuff! I encourage you to go to church this week, and while you're at it, pick up a copy of the New Testament and start reading. There is a special Someone waiting for you inside. Have a blessed week, everyone!
