“Remember that life’s most treasured moments come unannounced.”
Unknown
I love surprises. They’re unexpected and they elicit the most unrehearsed reactions. My favorite Christmas gift is the one not found on my wish list. It’s unexpected, takes me by surprise and comes from a thoughtful and creative giver who knows me well. I think God also loves surprises.
Several years ago prior to my Dad’s visit from Arizona, I asked God to give me a father’s blessing through my Dad. Even though my Dad didn’t have a personal relationship with the Lord at that time, I knew God could do anything. While praying for this desire, the Lord clearly said to me, “Why do you need your earthly Dad’s blessing when you already have mine?” At that moment I received my heavenly Father’s blessing. His stamp of approval over me flooded my heart. It was a done deal and I never needed to ask for that blessing again.
A few weeks ago my Mom and Stepdad from Arizona were visiting. Doug and I were able to have some time alone at Starbucks before they flew back home. While sitting up on the tall bar stools, sipping our hot drinks, I shared with him how the first time I heard my Dad say he was proud of me was when I received my master’s degree in counseling and guidance. No sooner had those words left my lips when unsolicited, Doug said to me, “Well, I’m proud of you.”
Whenever I recount this story, tears flow freely down my cheeks. I honestly did not see that one coming. When you least expect it, God takes you by surprise and blesses you. How kind of God to kiss me through my stepfather’s word of blessing. My most sought after desire, to receive a father’s blessing was now my gift to accept. Fortunately, it’s the kind of gift I can keep unwrapping from time to time. Each instance I open it up I am again blessed by both my heavenly Father and my earthly stepdad.
Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” God never forgets our original desires. He may not always answer them the way we expect but instead take us by surprise when we least expect it. The combination of God’s thoughtfulness and creativity whispers in our ears, “I love you.”
As Father’s Day approaches, I’d like to bless my stepdad Doug with God’s words of blessing in Numbers 6:24-26. Doug, this is my prayer for you: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Happy early Father’s Day!
“Expect the unexpected, because God might surprise you with something that you’ve always wanted, even if you didn’t expect it to come around so soon.”
Unknown
Relevant Reflections:
1. Describe a time when God took you by surprise. Thank Him for it.
2. What is the desire of your heart? Ask God for it in prayer and thank Him ahead for His answer. Wait patiently and watch Him take you by surprise.