During Advent we sing, "Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free." But have you noticed? It often turns out to be "Unexpected Jesus," because of countless surprises the Savior brings.
Remember how his first followers imagined a king like Jesus' ancestor David? After all, Jesus did descend from that illustrious line. They assumed Jesus would banish the occupying imperial regime because Roman violence, taxation, oppression, and greed created a culture of fear, an economy of deprivation. Those first dozen even aspired to sitting on opulent thrones alongside their teacher and mentor. Being led to a cross of shame followed by an astonishing dawn of glory? Unexpected, yes! Who ever could have imagined life from death? Maybe not so much, even though it's a constant refrain in the Hebrew scriptures
As central as those aspects are to our testimony of the Savior and our journey alongside him, I've been thinking more of unexpected little things. At the end of each day I thank God for all the good things, the goodness itself, the gifts I've received, the grace filled surprises during the previous twenty-hours. Some are in your face, like the Saturday Dollar Tree customer behind me who paid for my entire order. Like another guest at the hostel where I've been staying who often surprises me with food. Recents have included a light lunch of avocado toast and cheese, a banana and jelly toast to add to my breakfast… late morning air fried french fries today. Food is my love language, so I instantly resonate with those gifts.
But a few "little things" require more intentional observation. Posies in my header I discovered blooming bright along a very urban thoroughfare. Going outside late afternoon and knowing the misty air is a gift we need to help counter drought in this coastal desert. Plain spotting near LAX and celebrating visitors from places I love like Amsterdam and Toronto, even though I can't be in those cities right now. An extra hour of sleep as we go from Daylight Saving into Standard Time. Well, for me it wasn't extra because I had to get up early to get to my keyboard supply gig on time, but think how much earlier it would have felt without the storied "time change"?
What are some unexpecteds that add flavor and spice to your days?
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thanks for visiting—peace and hope to all of us!