Anticipation

One of two things usually go through my head when I hear that word - anticipation - either Rocky Horror Picture Show or the song by Carly Simon. But not today.

Today, anticipation swirls through the house as we make lists and coordinate clothing and cram ten days' worth of everything into as few containers as possible. We're packing for Camp. Not just camping, but Camp. Camp Calumet Lutheran, to be exact. Our week at Camp is rapidly approaching. It feels as if we can almost reach out and grab it, it's that close. 

But we have a week to get through first. A week of packing; repacking; lists of to-do's and to-buy's and don't-forgets; calculations; I-can't-wait's; I-wonder-if's; and who-do-you-thinks. A week of emergency child care for a new friend who needs childcare to work, but can't pay for childcare at the moment because she's just started her job, helping my grandmother settle in to the place she needs to be right now, even if just through phone calls during our busy week; and medical appointments.

My children's anticipation smacks of fun, friends, song, campfires, sand, water, food Mama wouldn't usually allow them to eat and all that a week at Camp entails. Rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, canoeing and more for the Adventure Campers. Auditions, rehearsals, and all that goes into putting a production of "The Sword Called Excalibur" for the Drama Campers. And one very disappointed five year old who is of the opinion that she should be considered a six year old henceforth and thereby be able to attend Day Camp and is anticipating camp fun mixed with disappointment. 
 
My anticipation is different. It whispers in my ear of feet massaged by cool sand, Bible studies, songs of praise, and making connections with new people and with nature. It foretells campfires and quiet moments and exploring my body's new capabilities through nature walks and hikes. It weaves stories of one-on-one time with our youngest, nights of blissful exhausted sleep, and a surprise or two along the way. 

“Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

We relish these moments-just-before, and thank God that our anticipation is always exceeded by the reality of the awesomeness that is Camp Calumet Lutheran.