Surprise!

As the garage door closed behind me, I climbed out of my car grabbed my computer, the mail and shut the door. Thoughts of unfinished business from the office lingered in my mind as I navigated through boxes, over tools and sports equipment in our dimly lit garage. With a sigh of relief to be home I walked past the front of our parked van. Suddenly a ferocious blur of hair, arms and legs leapt out from behind the van. Instant terror gripped my heart as I instinctually defended myself in my manly way. My body contracted with one leg lifted up, arms tensed and brought in to protect my side, and my defensive verbal outburst sounded like a four year old girl stepping on a snake. My heart rate jumped from 80 to well over 200bpm and adrenaline shot through my system as the ferocious blur came into focus as a blonde, pink and now hysterically laughing little girl. “I got you Dad”, Aliya says as she gleefully jumps up and down in her accomplishment of taking at least 3.7 years off my life.

Why is it my kids, and many others as well, like to surprise, startle and scare their parents? Bryce and Aliya seem to go to great lengths to hide, wait and startle me whenever this evil thought crosses their otherwise innocent minds. Of course as any good father I laugh with them, as I make my way to my bedroom to catch my breath, compose myself, and pick up the shattered remains of my dignity.

In my journey in Christ, I have experienced God’s unexpected surprises as well. Just when I think circumstances have hit rock bottom, God provides, encourages, and strengthens me at just the right time. When I am feeling anxious about our finances, God surprises me. When I become discouraged, down or defeated God lifts me up. When I feel uncertain and stuck God clearly shows the way. As I look back on my life I can give a testimony of God’s presence through numerous unexpected surprises of provision, protection, direction, assurance, encouragement and joy. I can rejoice with the psalmist in his exclamation of praise.

You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
- Psalm 16:11

I think God takes great pleasure in providing for his children. I think he savors the moments of surprise to encourage, strengthen and bless us. In his plan for us, God patiently waits for just the right moment to reveal his work and presence in our lives. Sometimes when God surprises me, I have to take a moment, catch my breath, compose myself and say “Good one…Thank you God”.

To my kids who might have future plans of hiding in the garage, behind closet doors, or under beds…go surprise your Mom. I can’t afford to lose anymore of my hair, heart beats or dignity.