Life’s Surprises – My Prayer to the Newlyweds
Every now and then, life takes us by surprise. We go from one day to the next, simply living our lives as best we can, and the next thing we know, there are challenges. Challenges which require courage, as well as wisdom. Some of us fly, by the seat of our pants. And for some of us, we pray. But, however the approach, we all hope that the decisions we make in our lives are the right ones chosen. When considering all the uncontrollable obstacles in our path, it is no wonder any of us ever accomplish anything. All the unforeseen setbacks. All the changes in our life which sometimes call for minor, or even major adjustments to our mental state of being, such as when a loved one passes. Or when we feel as though we have failed at an accomplishment in life. These are the times when we, unwillingly, are beckoned to extinguish uncontrollable fires. But there are also times when, by grace, we are appointed the task of watering areas in our life which still thrive and have managed to escape the scorch. And for those areas which are still thriving, we can continue to believe for the unexpected. To hope that we are given the opportunity to inevitably change our life for the better. To address decisions, which are welcoming, after a painstaking worry for the future and its outcome. After clandestinely seeking much-needed reprieve…, it is that something which makes us feel alive again. It gives our life new meaning and purpose. These wonderous moments which gives us reason to press forward. There are linings of silver in every cloud. Pots of gold at the end of every rainbow. The reward for being diligent and believing that our lives are destined for new beginnings, and great discoveries. And if, moreover, we also believe we are not alone and there is a higher being, helping us and guiding us along the way, it is effortless. For as he pushes us to grow as caring individuals we behold a promise of purpose for an amazing tomorrow. “Blessed…[are they] who trust …, [and] whose confidence is in Him (Jeremiah 17:7).” For they are those who truly experience the wonders of life and its amazing surprises.
Last Sunday, August 12, 2018, I was able to witness one of life’s most amazing surprises. For two beautiful and very special people it was a surprise that was undoubtedly unexpected. I’m sure if they were to look back on their life, growing up together in grade school, they would not have imagined an outcome such as this. Their hearts entwined with such love, this day, even a nine-year-old, witnessing the event, sensed it with amazement. Without much thought, these two knew and committed their hearts to each other for a life time. Both, driven by a sense of urgency, decisions were made, and lives were changed, for them, as well as for others. But no matter the obstacles, or decisions which took place prior to meeting again and discovering their destiny, they understood and committed their lives to each other. We cannot be afraid of what the future holds. For fear, as I always say is the one thing which can prevent us from living and achieving our destiny. There is a plan for each and every one of our lives if we are patient and continue to press forward. Strangely though, when we reach the end, the outcome and all we have accomplished appears insanely incredulous. Nothing anyone would believe, or ever imagine, unless experienced firsthand, or knew of their story transpires. It is a story written by God. He has a way of guiding us, and intricately placing those pieces of our life together in such a way, we know could only be pawned by his hand, and His hand alone. A sacrifice we know too well. If we are quiet and not forcing our issues or agenda, he will get us where we need to be. If we allow Him, our great Almighty God to take what he has made and continue to complete what he has started, he will complete our lives. Imagine the masterpiece. For he sees all, has His hand in everything and has a history in creating much. He knew what our purpose was even before we were born. How amazing is the day when it all comes together!
For these two, whose lives were not always straightforward, I pray that God continues to watch over them. May he always remind them how they came to be, and the sacrifices they encountered in order to come together. May their hearts remain entwined and they always remember nothing is impossible and to never give up on themselves, or each other. This is just the beginning to an already amazing story. May they appreciate every waking moment they have together and believe and hope for a future filled with more of life’s amazing surprises living in, and through Jesus’ Holy name. May they be blessed always and forever……. Love you both… Mom.
CWB
