for the Grand Opening?!?!”
When my Rite Aid pharmacy in Gainesville went out of business last year I was bummed! I loved the fact that it was close to home and not super busy. I am a germaphobe (I fully admit this!) and I liked the fact that there weren’t tons of sick, sneezing, coughing people waiting on their prescriptions. I guess from a business standpoint for a pharmacy that is not necessarily a good thing…. 
Not long after Rite Aid closed, they put up “For Lease” signs. As I was driving by one day, I glanced over and I saw it! The store that was replacing our Rite Aid was Dollar Tree – I was so excited!! I periodically would check online to see if I could find out when the store was opening. I even stopped by on several occasions when I saw a few cars parked outside and peeked inside hoping to get some information. Finally, on one of my drive by’s there was a note posted on the front door announcing that the Grand Opening was scheduled for January 5, 2019! For several weeks, I carefully planned my schedule, making sure I was available on that Saturday morning for the store Grand Opening. Sounds a little crazy, but it’s true! I am the quintessential example of the person that has champagne taste on a dollar store budget! I hate to pay too much for something and am always searching for the best deals around!
The long-awaited Saturday had finally arrived! I drove up and took a picture that I posted on my Instagram page.
“What does it say about me that I have been counting down
the days for the Grand Opening?
When I walked in, I was not disappointed. Compared to the other dollar stores I had been to, it was well stocked, clean and super organized! I stopped and talked to several people I knew and realized that I was not the only one that was anticipating the opening of this store! So many people commented on my Instagram and Facebook posts saying that they too were excited. One of my friends even said that “the Dollar Tree is the greatest thing that has happened to Gainesville in years”!
It’s funny how we spend our time anticipating, wishing and planning for things in our lives. As someone who is a planner, I work hard to make sure my schedule is planned and my lists are checked off. I look forward to concerts, date nights and time with friends. As Christians, one of the greatest events we can look forward to is the second coming of Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus is coming back to earth – this is our great hope!
Jesus tells us, in Mark 13:32-33 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”
The second coming of Christ is mentioned more than 300 times in the New Testament. Since it is so frequently mentioned, it emphasizes its importance! We need to strive to live actively focused on His return.
- As Christians, we should be anticipating with excitement the return of Christ. Just as I was excited for the opening of the store weeks before it happened, I should be expectantly awaiting His coming and living as if THIS could be that very day!
- Our primary job as Christians is to share the gospel with others. There are so many people that we come in contact with every day that do not know Jesus. Am I daily sharing my faith as easily as I share my excitement for a store to open? How much more important is the salvation of the lost, compared to the things I sometimes deem more important.
Let’s be challenged to live our lives in anticipation of our Lord’s return! To focus on sharing our faith with those around us, and to live godly, upright lives while we wait for His second coming! (Titus 2:11-13)
To Everything There Is A Season 