Above us, clouds warmly glow against a darkening sky. I look over to see my daughter on the dock, her well-cast line stretching out before her.

Why do I love fishing so much? There is connection to a family tradition, but this is a much simpler pleasure. Expectation. When we walked up to the pond, I told Grace I was sure we’d have an active night. I truly believed it. It’s in the nature of the sport to see any flat water as a pool of potential.

Anticipation is in our conversation as well. “How do you feel about going to college in the fall,” I ask.

“Nervous. Excited.” She answers. We talk about this for a while. It’s a momentous time in her life. And filled with uncertainty.

Then again, that is true about every day. Having freelanced my whole career, I know about the tension of living with an undetermined future. Sometimes, we can get a clear picture like the reflection in the still pond. But those times are rare.

What has kept me hooked has been the potential – the What Could Be. Maybe any given week, month – heck, year – has been tough, but who knows? The possibility of upcoming success is a strong pull. There are big bass under dark water.

In this moment, my heart is full of gratitude to a God who fills our lives with promises. These are not just What Could Be, but What Will Be. For the anticipation he gives is based on the certainty of his character. God is good.   Therefore there is always good in our present. And good to come.

And yes, I did catch a big fish. But the real joy was in the beauty of the evening and the blessing of time with my daughter. And as we look ahead to the coming changes, we’re both eager to see what God has for us. In the words of Emily Bronte,

There cast my anchor of desire
Deep in unknown eternity;
Nor ever let my spirit tire,
With looking for what is to be!

Father, uncertainty and change are weighty things. Lighten our hearts to see the good that you have ahead for us. We know that it is in your heart to bless and that it’s in our hearts to worry. Grant us the peace and joy of grace-colored glasses as we peer deep in unknown eternity.