Great Expectations
I am an emotional person. I openly wept when my brother left for California for the first time, I jumped out of my chair in happiness when my goddaughter asked me to sponsor her for confirmation, I nearly threw out my tv in anger when Ohio State beat Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. There are times when I am trapped in what Will Ferrell efficaciously calls, “a glass case of emotion.”
Last night could have been one of those instances. There were many reasons to be emotional: seeing old friends for the first time, watching my younger brothers and sisters grow into amazing faith leaders, the Lakers winning in 6.
Despite the opportunity, at the climax of an opportunity of emotion, I stood stoically beside my best friend and cousin; I simply clapped and smiled. My emotions were in check, my thoughts were clear, and my heart was beating at its normal pace. The glass case was empty.
The reason for this emptiness was not for a lack of anything. It wasn’t for a surplus of preparation either. It just was. And the reason for this lack of emotion is this:
“They are what I thought they were.”
The operative word in “old friends” is “friends.” Time and distance does not remove the love of a good friend; they are good friends no matter how much time has elapsed, or how much distance keeps us apart. I know who my friends are and it does not surprise me in the least of how close we are no matter how distant we became.
My younger brothers and sisters no longer have the “potential” label. My younger brothers ARE pious, reverent Christian men. My younger sisters ARE beautiful Christian women. The leaders are who they need to be, and those they lead trust them in a way I’ve always prayed for. My family is in good hands, as I expected.
And yeah shamefully, I predicted in my head the Lakers winning in 6. (The clincher is when Nash guaranteed a Game 7…just sayin)
It was a blessed night, a beautiful revelation, and a wonderful experience. But these things don’t bring my emotion anymore because I trust with great faith, the Lord of hope. And for that He awards me with a great peace…even if the Lakers win in 6.
