Anticipation

The anticipation of pleasure releases chemicals in the brain that result in Joy.
Years ago I said to my little son, about 8 at the time: " I think that this year I will buy you a bike". Paul exploded in a dance around the living room and lots of hugs for his daddy. Anticipation, mingled with Faith releases dopamine and serontonin, and possibly some adrenaline.

Now research has found that this not only makes one happy, it has a healing quality as well. The more you meditate on the joy ahead the more you create new neuro pathways in the brain to replace older and damaged ones. You might say that the outlook for older people is very limited in terms of pleasure. If they should win a jackpot it is somewhat late in life to spend it all. Traveling can be too tiring, and so is running around with the grandchildren. Eating big meals is out, and their favorite cake is outlawed by their diet.

For them comes the word of the Lord " Do not place your desires in the things of this world, but on heavenly things that do not grow old and decay". Most of us though, can still anticipate some pleasure on earth , as well as the spiritual ones. Every promise in the Bible can be a focus point, and mixed with faith, make a change in your life. The contribution of researchers is simply that they are discovering the mechanics of how that works. They may yet discover a lot more. But that is not news for Jesus who used these principles 2000 years ago.

Expect good things and rejoice! Read my other blog:
http://www.parkinsonssupportgroup.blogspot.com/