Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. (Luke 1: 21-23)

For years Zechariah had surely offered daily prayers for children, and especially for a son and heir. But as the years passed and his prayers were not answered, he accepted his situation. So much so that when the prayer was dramatically answered, Zechariah did not believe what he was hearing or seeing. Fully embracing the present includes remaining open to change.