When I arrived home yesterday, there was a large package on my kitchen table. I asked Mason what it was and he said, “I don’t know. You ordered something.”

I was surprised. I had ordered some items, but they weren’t supposed to arrive until today.

Later in the evening I had the opportunity to open my surprise box. Inside was filled with Christmas. There were little booklets about the beauty of the Christmas season. There were hidden picture Christmas books for the grandkids. But I was most excited for the new Christmas music tucked away in this box.

I have a Sandi Patty album on a cassette tape that I can’t listen to any longer for obvious reasons. But some of the songs on that album aren’t on any other Christmas album. I am excited to say that one of these Christmas music treasures contains a portion of those songs.

Now there were a couple of items that weren’t Christmas related…a new bag. Oh, if there were a support group for women obsessed with pretty bags, I’d need to attend. My life is compartmentalized by bags. On a side note, my husband is building me a bag tree. I’ll show you a picture when it’s complete.

So, as I type this morning, I’m importing my new music. And before the week is over, I will have listened to my new treasures.

You know how exciting surprises are, right? That unexpected phone call. That package at your door. That word of encouragement. That party in your honor. That unexpected visit in the grocery store with someone you haven’t seen for a while. That precious bundle of joy. And you could probably fill in this space with surprises you’ve had.

Surprises are awesome.

While I know that God’s plan was laid out long before the creation of the world, you and I can find beautiful surprises in our day-to-day walk with the Lord. That special verse of Scripture that feeds your soul. That beautiful sunrise or sunset that melts your heart. That praise song that leads you to worship in an unexpected place. That spiritual giant who offers words of wisdom and encouragement.

As you go through your day today, I pray that you will search for the surprises that God places before you. Savor the moments. Allow them to seep into your soul and fill your heart with joy.

And never ever forget how much your heavenly Father loves you. Never ever forget that He wants your life to be filled with His “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

And while it isn’t a surprise, it is amazing that “God so loved the world (you and me) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV) Now that is really awesome.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna