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The Gift of Surprises |
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Article by Tom Gilbert — January 2005
Surprises can come in many new and unexpected ways.
The very nature of a surprise can result in sudden realizations that
things are not always the way they seem.
Routines are a natural way of living. We need organization
and structure to keep us from aimlessly wandering. However, the pitfall
is that our routines can become ruts. As a friend of mine is fond of
saying, “I don’t just get in a rut…I move in and furnish
it!” The surprises in our lives have a way of jarring us from
this false reality and opening us up to new possibilities.
A surprise can also be a shock. It’s not always a pleasant experience.
We may get surprised by news of health problems, tragic events, financial
challenges or the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. These unwelcome surprises
may force you to face some personal demons. The knowledge that you are
not in control of your life, that death is real and comes to everyone,
and that no matter how well you plan things are not going to turn out the
way you want it are often bitter pills to swallow.
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 The
good news is that surprises, either pleasant or otherwise,
are necessary for our continued growth. |
Cultivating surprise
in your life can have many positive benefits. Surprise
can bring about discovery and a new way of seeing.
The new thinking, ideas, vision, goals and plans that
come from simply “suiting up and showing up” for
daily living have led to many powerful “ah-ha” moments
in my life.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of living with an expectation
of – even a hope for – surprises is the renewed
sense of wonder that comes from being truly open to change.
Don’t fear surprise. It is a valuable teacher.
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Scripture taken from the
Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright ©
1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International
Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered
trademarks of International Bible Society. Use of either
trademark for the offering of goods or services requires
the prior written consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy
Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used
by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton,
IL 60189, USA. All rights reserved.
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JOHN 15:11 |
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"I have told you this so that my joy may be in
you and that your joy may be complete."
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(NIV) |
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