Tip of My Iceberg

When we gathered to celebrate a mile-marker birthday for a dear friend, there were many wonderful surprises. Several people stood and spoke of wonderful memories they had of Judy, working together, the deep relationships shared, the quality of person she is. For those who hadn’t known Judy as long as some of us have, there were pleasant surprises on how full and fun her life has been. A couple of her children were in attendance, and the surprise for them was to see and hear all the special memories so many folks had concerning their mom.

I had the opportunity to reconnect with several long-time friends, and catching up with each of them revealed surprises that were fun to learn. How people’s paths have moved in good ways; even those who had struggles saw hope in what they’d learned.

I’m well aware that many people don’t like surprises, but I love them. The idea of something unexpected happening that could be full of awe and wonder has always captured my imagination. I do tend to be flexible; I’m pretty adept at going with the flow. It’s often an area of contention when I find it more challenging to make a decision because I’d rather consider more options.

The downside of adaptability.

Throughout history surprises have often been of the negative variety. Surprise attacks in time of war. Surprise illnesses when other big plans have been made. Surprise expenses with no noticeable income to cover it. Surprise expectations with no known way of fulfilling them. These can be disheartening at the very least and disruptive at their worst.

The Bible talks about the good and hard of surprises. Jesus was a surprise to the religious leaders and numerous people groups, many of whom expected a military leader who would be their Messiah. A grand surprise was when Jesus rose from the dead and more than five hundred people saw and interacted with Him after His resurrection.

The Bible also talks about the challenges of our brokenness and how it’s impacted us and the world around us.

“Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The Lord looked and was displeased to find there was no justice. he was amazed (surprised) to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So He Himself stepped in to save them with His strong and just arm, and His justice sustained Him.” Isaiah 59:14-16

God created everything perfect and good, but we have managed to make a mess of it all with poor choices and actions. We’re seeing it in the injustices around the world where truth has been put on a back burner and people’s opinions have more value than what’s real.

God stepped into the problem and sent His Son, Jesus, to give us the chance to create a clean slate. Providing redemption for us who so desperately need it. The hope of heaven and an eternity of love and peace; no surprises. No strings attached.

My friend Judy had some wonderful surprises that were part of her birthday celebration. People who love and respect her, who enjoy and encourage her.

God has wonderful surprises for us as well–if we’re willing to step out and seek Him.

If we seek Him, we will find Him.

No surprise there.