Surprises

I love surprises, at least ones with a positive intent.  Even as I write these words, I find myself remember surprises that were not fun.  I have been surprised by good haircuts and bad.  The latter were clearly not good, even though I doubt it was intentional.  When I think of surprises, it may be far more accurate to say that what I really like are gifts.  There is an inherent excitement with the uncertainty, anticipation, and then the revelation.  When someone cares, anything is possible.
The package was small, forgettable really.  Yet inside was a thought that still brings a flood of comfort hope filled emotions. 
They come in all sizes and shapes – big packages and small.  Appearances vary – wrapped in newspaper or the season's message.  The reason whatever it is touches our life is simply this.  Someone expressed a simple message that tells us of an “I care”.  In that simple statement, I remember heart driven love.  In a single instance, I know I belong.  In this moment of knowledge, I know I am filled with peace and hope.
We live in a time where far too many lives are filled with pain and anguish.  I find each individual carries a thirst to know that they belong, that they are loved.  With belonging, one knows that hope has not left the building.  With love, the reality of peace gives each a unique perspective of what might be.  The simple impact of a gift that surprises can change the course of the life touched and the giver as well.
Ironically, in the midst of our chaos, it is easy to forget how many surprises God has in store for our lives.  In one old story, something was sighted on the horizon.  As clarity prevailed, everything became clear.  “It's ships from the distant islands, the famous Tarshish ships returning your children from faraway places, loaded with riches, with silver and gold,”  (Isaiah 60.9a)
My reminder, to you as well as to my heart, is to be on the alert.  God is full of surprises.