What Do You Expect?
“Bright Hope for Tomorrow” — Chapter 3 Reflection
A Sophisticated Tea Party
The older I get the more I tend to lower my expectations. No need to get all worked up about something only to have my hopes dashed. Such was the case with my last high tea experience. I’d been dreaming of this new location for at least a year. But, having been to many tea rooms over the years, I’ve been both delighted and disappointed.
So, to keep my expectations in check, I researched all that I could to ensure the best experience possible. My daughter and longtime tea partner also researched. Compiling info from Facebook and Yelp, we had some concerns. The pictures showed meager portions, and the drive would take at least fifty minutes. Would the time and money spent be worth it?
Let me explain. Going out for tea is not about the tea. It’s about the sophisticated ambiance, how a bone China cup clinks its saucer. It’s the lure of the dainty finger sandwiches that could’ve been made at home, but they look so much more delish on a fancy, three-tiered tray. And oh how British I feel when I add milk to my Early Grey and stir it with a tiny, silver spoon.
Oh, I forgot to mention something else. It would most likely be the last time my soon-to-be-married daughter would share a cup of tea with me with the same last name as mine. This experience needed to be special.
Anticipating the Unanticipatable
In chapter 3 of the book Bright Hope for Tomorrow, the author asks some very important questions about an even greater and much more justifiably, anticipated occasion. Speaking of when Jesus appears in his glory, he asks, “How can we get our bearings on what to expect? Is there anyone we can talk to about what it is like to see Jesus in his resurrected splendor?”
He gives us three credible examples from three reliable sources: Peter’s account of the transfiguration, Paul’s conversion on the Damascus Road, and John’s testimony on the island of Patmos.
In all these examples, we are drawn by the description of our Lord in his glory. In the transfiguration, the disciples are terrified by the heavenly brilliance of Jesus and fall to their faces. Yet, the God of all glory touches them. Then, the author points to the similarities in Paul and John’s accounts. Both beheld the resurrected glory of Jesus and returned to ministry, empowered to preach in the face of opposition and great suffering. As the author says, “The vision of Jesus’ resurrected glory . . . was meant to sustain Paul. And in that singular moment when he would see the glory again . . . Paul knew it would be worth it.”
What Are you Expecting?
When it comes to the Lord’s appearing, what are you expecting? I was encouraged by the author’s challenge in question number 3 in the call to anticipate future occasions in the light of Christ’s appearing. In question number 5, the call to seek “his comfort and feel his assurance,” can be used on any occasion. Over a cup of tea. Or in preparing a wedding for an only daughter.
I’m happy to say, the tea experience turned out to be another happy memory made. There was more than enough food (I was too stuffed to finish those dainty, finger sandwiches.), and we were amused at how my daughter’s tea looked and tasted more like Kool-Aid. A week later, we were even more amused when a parking ticket arrived in the mail over my misunderstanding of the parking lot sign (these kinds of things can happen in anticipation of high tea!). It was worth it.
Whether going out for tea or some other occasion, seek his resurrected glory. Anticipate his presence. Our expectations can never be too high when we remember his promised appearance and the hope of being forever with the one whose face is brighter than the sun and more beautiful than anything we’ve ever imagined (including fancy tea rooms). An experience that will more than exceed our expectations.
And it will be absolutely worth it!
