Expect a blessing.

That was the topic of the article I read as we prepare for the holiday season. Instead of counting our blessings, the author encouraged us to expect a blessing.

I was chatting with a friend. I was curious to see how she would answer some questions in my new daily planner, and, as usual, she was insightful and open. The friend with whom you can ask anything, and they understand why.

From this conversation, I began to ponder thoughts about joy and blessings. We both acknowledged that as you age, you become increasingly aware of the importance of being intentional. Planning moments, activities, and events to celebrate our lives. These can be simple things like a warm cup of hot chocolate with those little marshmallows on top on a cold evening, or planning a trip.

About 30 years ago, I remember a conversation with a young mom and her toddler. She told this story with such excitement about watching her daughter eat an apple for the first time. She described how she held it in her little hands and kept oohing and awing, along with lots of giggles. I can’t remember what I had for dinner last night, but to this day, I can remember that 5-minute conversation in the hallway at Beulah Elementary. What struck me was her delight, and the strong visual I had of her daughter in the car on the way to work. Those little moments in the car as a working mom. They mean a lot.

Using that apple story, I began to realize that there are different types of joy. The joy and faith Jesus spoke of when he said, “Come to me as a child.” Life for a child is about many first discoveries, including trust and faith in a caregiver to ensure that what they’re doing is safe and fun. As adults, we are the “apple farmer.” We have the depth of experience that it takes to harvest the apple so that it reaches the hands of a toddler in the back seat of a car. We work hard to create, experience joy, and share it with others. We are no longer children, but we still experience a richness of joy that is marked by hard work, loss, ups and downs, and an abundance of life’s stories.

So how do we expect a blessing? Perhaps to be even surprised by joy and giggle with delight? Is it possible? I think we have to be intentional and carefree at the same time. Intentional in planning things that create delight, and carefree enough to be present and spontaneous. When we slow down and look around, we may just see God handing us an opportunity to experience something beyond our daily plans. Another story comes to mind.

My precious friend in my Bible study, which just recently ended, noted that she was drawn through spontaneity to get up out of her intentional time in the study to go out back in her yard. At just that moment, the wind blew a fresh breeze, with autumn leaves swirling in the sun. She knew this moment was from the Holy Spirit to comfort and delight her.

As you look towards the holiday, how will you not only be intentional but also expect a blessing? How will you capture a glimpse of heaven?

My daddy wrote a song I’ve been humming recently after talking to a friend who just lost her beloved husband. She wants a glimpse. I’m praying that for her and her family.

“I got a glimpse of heaven while on my knees in prayer. I asked the Lord to help me with my journey there. He said, ‘Cast your cares upon me, ‘ I will see you through. Walk the straight and narrow to Heaven’s Avenue.”

My Daddy’s Song: