Finding Joy in the Surprises

You know those plastic balls or eggs that have surprises in them? Our daughter LOVES them. The anticipation and suspense, not knowing exactly what’s going to be in there, is what gets her every time. And when she finally opens it? So much excitement, wows, ahs, and “Look at this, Mom” moments.

Sometimes I have a hard time understanding the thrill behind these surprise toys, but I could learn a lesson or two from our daughter. Do I open each day that God has given me, with the same excitement, thrill, and joy? Do I walk around this life, sharing God’s story by saying, “Look, see what God is doing?”

Every morning, we wake up to something new that God is doing. Every day is a day He has made and prepared, specifically with us in mind, for a specific purpose. Every day is showered with his perfect blessings, in somewhat surprising ways. Do you choose to find joy in them?

It’s easy to dismiss the things that frustrate us, to not be thankful for them, and to not see them as part of God’s perfect plan, but they are. Life doesn’t always bring thrilling surprises, but hard ones too. The dreaded phone call from the doctor. The agony of seeing the test results come through. Saying goodbye to a loved one, all too soon. BUT. God is in those surprises too. Surprises that still tell HIS story. Surprises where joy (not necessarily happiness) can still be found.

Do you walk with eyes wide open, looking for the surprises God has stored up just for you? It can be easy to miss them if we aren’t looking for them. Find joy in them, no matter what the circumstances may be. God’s blessings are always waiting for you on the other side.