Awaiting with eager expectation

Brothers and sisters:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing
compared with the glory to be revealed for us.
For creation awaits with eager expectation
the revelation of the children of God;
for creation was made subject to futility,
not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,
in hope that creation itself
would be set free from slavery to corruption
and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;
and not only that, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
we also groan within ourselves
as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

Rom 8: 18-23

I should just let today’s second reading speak for itself. It touches on my favorite themes of redemption and hope, and I know it reads like foolishness to many, many eyes. But I have fallen in love with a broken world. I have experienced love and beauty and resurrection in my silly sinful life. My own striving for sanctity, the similar strivings of others, the holy longing and the joy of humbly walking with God  – all of these things have convinced me that creation longs for glory. If it weren’t what we were made for, we wouldn’t want these things. If love were not our origin, calling and fulfillment, we couldn’t do it on our own, impractical and sacrificial as it is. So we wait for glorious freedom.