Surprise!

A surprise gets your attention, doesn’t it? Perhaps it’s a surprise birthday party, wedding shower, baby shower, or the celebration of a promotion or retirement. Or, maybe you are given a gift you didn't anticipate. Whichever it may be, such surprises put a smile on our faces and bring us joy.  

The wonder of a surprise is the unexpected. On a drive home after vacationing in the mountains, my husband and I enjoyed our stay. We had a nice time away; however, we had other concerns on our minds, including the health of those dear to us and prayers for those who had recently lost loved ones.  

As we came down the canyon, I hardly noticed the scenery as I focused on reading a story.  

"Look!” my husband called out suddenly.

My attention diverted, I lifted my nose out of the  book just in time. Looking to our left, the multi-color hues of a double rainbow stretched across the horizon. To our right, the eye-candy feast of an orange, yellow, and peach sunset cascaded against a backdrop of purple mountain peaks. Bright white billowing clouds touched down, rolling across the desert floor like they belonged there. Then, an opening of blue in a distant cloud poured out a stream of glistening rays of light upon the land.

A few vehicles pulled off the road to watch. God had dabbled in His sky artistry, in a way that only He can do. “Surprise!” He seemed to say, grabbing our attention at the marvelous setting before our eyes. This moment was a gift. We smiled, our hearts filled with joy, as the worries and concerns of the day seemed to instantly melt away. It was as if God's signature was being written across the sky, with His love pouring down upon all creation. 

We usually think of surprises as coming from our friends and family—but they come from God, too. And He is the ultimate gift-giver!  

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What surprises have most touched your heart lately, and how have God's gifts impacted your life? Feel free to comment. 
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“For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 

Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com

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