Allow me to set the scene. It’s Christmas morning. The kids are in their pajamas. They’ve opened all the gifts save for one. The last package doesn’t look particularly impressive. It’s just a small box—obviously not something cool like a bike or an Xbox.
So the kids open it up, and inside they find tickets for a trip. The whole family is going on a Disney Cruise and leaving that very day! The kids start jumping up and down, screaming with excitement. The parents have everyone’s bags packed, and as soon as they eat breakfast, they’re off to the airport to start the vacation of a lifetime.
You’ve seen this—or something like it—a million times in the movies and commercials. Sometimes it’s a husband surprising his wife or vice versa, but you get the idea. We’re going on vacation and we’re going right now! Isn’t this a wonderful surprise?
I hope no one ever pulls a stunt like that on me. It’s not because I wouldn’t like someone else packing my suitcase and making all the arrangements. In fact, sign me up for that!
It’s because of anticipation. The best part of a vacation, or an event, is the weeks or months in advance. No matter how bad or good a thing turns out to be, you always get to look forward to it.
Which brings us to this week. On Wednesday, my mom, cousin, and I will be will see Bon Jovi in concert. For months, I’ve looked forward to seeing the boys from Jersey. I’ve played all their music over and over. We’ve speculated on what they’re going to wear, what song they will open with, whether or not Jon will sing “Always.” (Please, please, pretty please with a cherry on top!)
We’re talking about foreplay, here, people. No need to rush to the main event.
Wednesday will no doubt be a great night. But so too are all the daydreams of Jon Bon Jovi in tight jeans.
Surprise is lovely. But anticipation is where it’s really at.