Acts 1:1-5 NKJV

[1] The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, [3] to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. [4] And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; [5] for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

One of the things I miss the most about childhood is the anxious excitement of receiving gifts. Christmases and birthdays were awesome. I couldn't sleep the night before because I was filled with nervous energy. I didn't know what to expect. I just know I had to wait.

When Jesus promised His disciples the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, I wonder if they waited with that same kind of anticipation. Did they understand any of what they would come to experience through receiving that gift? The uphill battle they faced would have been insurmountable without it. It was beyond their understanding. Despite losing their leader, they were capable of carrying His message because they were led by the Spirit.

I wonder how much more joyful life could be if we faced each morning with childlike excitement. We receive the gift of a new day every morning. We are gifted with opportunities to share God's love with everyone we meet. The same Spirit that led the disciples is readily available to us to do God's will and to be the hands and feet of Jesus.