Anticipation

On my solitary walk, listening to songs that both challenge and refresh my soul, I'm thinking about how a single word can hold such different meanings.
I've walked this same path each week for a couple of months, allowing God to speak to me in my quietness, observing the changes in nature, experiencing the visual gift of sunlight dancing on the water, and soaking in the warmth and beauty...in anticipation.
Anticipation of the winter that is coming...when the sun will be hidden behind clouds full of snow, and deceptive when it does appear, as its distance will not bring warmth, but harsh cold that makes it difficult to breathe.
Anticipation of holidays that are approaching...filling me with dread. Grief has been overtaking me on regular days...

And then there is anticipation of a much different flavor...
an upcoming trip to my "happy place" where the real world recedes for a few days, and fun abounds.
Anticipation of seeing special friends...of allowing the joy and love to fill my heart and carry me through to the spring.