Remo Williams

If you have ever seen the movie, "Remo Williams," the spy spoof, you may
have noticed at the end of the movie it displays the words, "The adventure
continues".

Sometimes the adventure takes us on the road we would prefer to be on. I got
a call from a friend this week, saying that his father was in a coma and not
expected to live. He surely would be at some other point in his life.

What is it that excites you in your life and makes it worth hanging on, even
in the bad times? What is it that makes you look forward to tomorrow, or the
next day or the next week or the next month? Is it a sense of expectancy;
looking forward to what may be the "unknown". For some the unknown future is
a scary thing, for others it is something to be savored. My wife and I often
talk about our life as just another leg of the adventure of life. Sometimes
the road is smooth, sometimes it is rough, but it's the only road we have,
so let's accept it and keep moving.

I was surprised by a sign I saw today that said, "Only 300 days until
Christmas". I don't know whether you will groan or be excited by that
information. For some folks whatever future they arrive at is just like a
kid's Christmas, something which builds in excitement and anticipation.
While others live in dread of what the next day may bring.

Granted I don't know anything about your troubles, your problems, your
heartaches or even your blessings. What I do know is that no matter what,
there is always something to look forward to in life.

One of the encouraging passages concerning the future is found in
Philippians 1:23-25, where the apostle Paul writes: "I'm torn between two
desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.
But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am
convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow
and experience the joy of your faith."

Paul was excited and encouraged regarding his future, knowing that he will
"go to be with Christ," at some point. That really is what should, perhaps
must, motivate us to keep on in this adventure called life. Jesus said,
"I'm going to prepare a place for you." I don't know about you, but that's
where my journey here on earth will lead me to another leg of the adventure.
Keeping that thought firmly planted in our minds is what keeps us "Living
Expectantly".

Russ Lawson