Moments of Surprise

I'm a bit confused. The temperature gauge on the dashboard of my car just registered 67 degrees outside, and this is January 6. The bitter winds of Tuesday have given way to the balmy sunshine of Friday. My only regret at this moment is that I didn't take advantage of an invitation to play golf today. Something about golf in Virginia in January just doesn't seem right.

Of course, there are many moments in this life that leave us scratching our heads as things aren't as we think they should be. Most of us have lived through the disappointment of one of our favorite sports teams being upset by an obvious underdog. Some have just been through that moment of surprise when the most beautifully wrapped Christmas package yielded not the wonderful treasure you might have hoped for, but instead, socks!!! For some, there are much more serious consequences of surprise in finding their employment terminated, their investments lost, or their health suddenly in question.

One of the characteristics of the new year is the sense of unknown that accompanies it. We have certain plans for the new year, for this particular year, and some of those will be realized. However, there will be surprises along the way that we just didn't see coming that will have an impact on our lives, our families, and friends. Surprises are certainly not always negative, but many times, they do catch us off guard.

Can one be prepared for surprise? By its very definition, surprise would seem to answer a resounding "No!". And yet, we are not completely left to the whims of the unknown. As a person of faith whose trust in the Living God isn't dependent on what I can see, touch, or even plan for, I can step forward into the unknown believing that God will walk with me. In threatening circumstances that often seemed uncertain, the Psalmist declared in Psalm 23:4, " Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me." (NIRV)

There will most likely be a number of confusing, head-scratching, joyous, and disappointing surprises along the way in 2012. Walking together with the Lord in faith will prepare you to deal with whatever comes, for God will be with you. That is the greatest thing we hope for in the new year...that is enough!

By the way, temperatures Sunday are supposed to be in the 50's. Don't be surprised to see some in shorts and sandals. Who knows, maybe there will be snow for Memorial Day!!

Jim Abernathy