I remember a trip we took a few years back with our little 3 year-old nephew.
It was a long-planned vacation to the Biltmore Inn in Ashville, NC. We had traveled most of the day and arrived in the early evening. While we were checking in, one of the clerks asked if it was okay to give Little One a mint. His mama said, "Yes."
Now, I want to tell you that mint looked way better than this one. It was in the most beautiful gold and green foil package and nearly filled Little one's Hand! He was so excited! "Mama, can I eat it now?" You could see in his eyes that this was going to be really good!
"No, sweetie," she replied, "we have dinner plans. Put it in daddy's pocket and we'll have it after we eat." Little One was disappointed, but did as he was told. After the long day of traveling Little One fell asleep as soon as his tummy was full. First missed chance...
The next morning we all met at breakfast. Little One was dancing around and wondered where his special candy was. Daddy assured him it was still in his pocket, but now we had to eat our breakfast. Dang! Another postponement!
We had a full day planned with tours through the mansion, special lectures and such. Little One's occasional pleas for his special treat were all turned down. When, oh when would he be able to tear into what he was sure must be the bestest candy in the whole world?!?
He was finally given permission to have his mint late in the afternoon. Little One's eyes opened wide as daddy removed it from his pocket and placed it in Little One's hands. Oh, this was going to be so-o-o good!
He struggled to open the foil and popped it in his mouth...
and then just as quickly spit it out! The mint was one of those airy, spearmint melt-in-your-mouth balls. NOT what Little One had anticipated!
He was disappointed in the mint because it hadn't met with his expectations. He couldn't enjoy the sweetness of it because it was so much different than he had imagined it was going to be.
We all burst into laughter at his surprise and shock. But it got me to thinking -Maybe we anticipate what will be the extra, the special; instead of taking time to just enjoy the simple sweets we have been gifted. There are God-moments in each and every day! We just have to relax and let them happen. We have to be open to looking with the heart and eyes of Christ. And then, of course, we have to give Him thanks!
