Anticipation – But What Sort?

Yesterday…

…I was chatting to Janet. Her husband John, a lovely man, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. One of the symptoms has been John’s unpredictable mood swings. Janet has found it really difficult to cope with them.

Recently, for the first time, John became physically aggressive, so that the police had to be called. Janet is anxious; she doesn’t know what’s coming next – painful anticipation.

…I visited Gilly. He’d phoned me. ‘Do you want my leaf blower/vacuum shredder. I don’t need it any more and I know you’ve got big trees in your garden…’  

Yesterday I collected it. I’ve already spent several afternoons raking up leaves; over the weekend I shall be trying out Gilly’s kind gift, my new toy – with eager anticipation.

…I watched the news. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has upset people again with comments about the Metropolitan Police and the pro-Palestinian rally planned in London on Armistice Day, this Saturday.

It seems to be a habit of hers. Recently she’s made comments about homelessness as being a ‘lifestyle choice’; there have been repeated unguarded comments about immigration and asylum seekers. How will Suella offend next? Rishi Sunak has uncertain anticipation.

This morning…

…I walked along the coastal path. I was aware of a huge, noisy flock of seagulls flying above me. I looked again. Their attention was focused on a gent who was walking behind me.

He walked across to a nearby patch of grass. Some seagulls landed; others hovered; the noise level increased. He opened a bag he was carrying and threw bread on the grass. The seagulls got the breakfast they knew they would receive: certain anticipation.

…I read my Bible – Philippians chapter 4. St Paul’s encouraging ‘the saints in Philippi… Rejoice… Be gentle… Don’t be anxious…Present your requests to God.’

The result, he says, is that: ‘the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ That’s reassuring anticipation.