It is time to renew my Global Entry pass for fast-track entry into the US. While it does not expire until next March, even the website suggests starting a year in advance. One never knows how long the process will take. For this renewal, I received an initial conditional approval. Final approval was to be made after a face-to-face interview with a Customs Border Patrol agent. As I waited yesterday for my interview, I found myself in a state of anticipation. What questions would I face? How many ways could I fail the interview process? What if.. There were endless questions playing out in my mind, with no answers.
Anticipation frequently pulls one into the dark corners of one’s mind. Yesterday was no exception. Even as I kept my feet planted, there was part of me that desperately wanted to leave.
As I wake to start a new day, interview completed, acceptance and approval in hand, life is reminding me of the following whispers.
Hope endures. In the light of the approval, everything seems rosy and possible. It is easy to forget how distant hope seemed, even seconds before the interview began. Remembering hope’s presence begins by calling hope out when things begin to get dark. Bringing one experience of kindness and care to mind will summon hope. Letting the embrace of acceptance linger will recall hope. Closing one’s eyes to let expressions replay opens one’s heart to hope abiding presence.
Promises endure. I remember promises that failed while forgetting the ones that never ended. Divinity has repeatedly reminded me that I am her child. She cares for me, unconditionally as I am in the moment. When Paul wanted to remind those around him of Divinity’s enduring commitment, it was a promise that was the foundation. “Remember that promise, ‘When I come back next year at this time, Sarah will have a son’?” (Romans 9.9)
Everything looks different in the mirror. I remind myself; it was my choice. I look forward to today with Divinity at my side and Hope on point. I love anticipating today.
