Two Kinds of Surprises
Healing and Wholeness in Heart and Soul
Reflection By Scott Stoner
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
- Isaiah 43:19
Brother David wrote about how surprises can break us out of the sometimes humdrum of life. We can cultivate surprise, wonder, gratitude, and awe by paying attention to the little signs of God’s presence all around us—things we often take for granted and overlook. A butterfly flutters by, a child laughs, a stranger helps with spilled groceries, the soothing sound of a mourning dove fills the air, the practice that was introduced yesterday, of focusing on being grateful for what we receive through each of our five senses. Cultivating a beginner’s mind can turn humdrum into wonder, and remind us that God is always “doing a new thing.”
But what about painful, unwanted surprises? A health diagnosis, job loss, or death of a loved one? Where is God amid these challenges? First, we must allow ourselves to fully acknowledge our loss, sadness, and anger—even anger at God. Lament is common in the Bible. Then we seek help through prayer, our faith community, trusted friends and family, and pastors/therapists.
We can find comfort in the Quaker saying that “Way will open,” and, “God will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Painful surprises, though unwanted, can deepen our faith and reliance on God.
Making It Personal: How might you cultivate the kind of attention that opens up your eyes to the positive surprises that God has in store for you? How might you seek support, and deepen the roots of your faith when unwanted surprises occur?