Do you like surprises? In 1984, we were very successful in surprising our son and daughter-in-law. The previous year, we had attended Bruce and Mary’s wedding in the beautiful log chapel at Michigamme United Methodist Institute during Family Camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Now, they were inviting us to come from our home in Illinois to help celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary on the first day of camp. We made plans immediately to fly up there, but wanted to keep it a secret so we told them we would be unable to attend.
We sent a recorded message in advance to be played during the event. When we arrived at camp, we hid in a room adjacent to the celebration. Unaware of our presence, they played the cassette tape for everyone to hear. At the end of the message, the recorded dialog between my husband and me went something like this:
“You know, this message is so impersonal.”
“I agree. What should we do?”
“Why don’t we just walk through that door?”
And we did. It was a rather emotional reunion.
Surprises are fun. Our loving and generous God loves to surprise us as well. My husband and I coordinated a Lay Witness Mission at Firestone Park United Methodist Church in Akron, Ohio. The team met for prayer before the service. It was a glorious spring morning, the windows were open, and all the birds were singing and chirping loudly. We stood in a circle holding hands. One of our team members, noted for his genuine, heartfelt prayers, began to lift his voice and give God praise. He prayed, “Lord, at the sound of your voice, even the birds hush their singing!”
At that very moment, every bird abruptly stopped singing and a hush fell on each one standing there. We knew beyond a shadow of doubt we were standing in the very presence of God. It was a holy moment.
My friend, Kathy DeYoung, tells a similar story. She and her husband were traveling to hear their son, Dan, sing in a choir at the State Music Contest in Rossville, Illinois. Kathy said:
On a dark and cloudy morning, my husband and I headed to the music contest. The concert room was set up with risers in front of an arched frosted window. It was early morning and the boys came into the room and stood on the risers. The choir director raised his baton and the boys started to sing the song, “Morning Has Broken.” At that precise moment the sun began streaming through the large window behind the boys. What an awesome God we have to give us such a reminder of Himself on such a dark cloudy morning. (By the way, the boys won 1st place.)
God loves to surprise us with joy, with sublime experiences in which we have a glimpse into the eternal. “You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11) He has planned much more for us than just a mediocre existence. If we are looking for true joy, we must take our eyes off the pleasures of this world and turn our eyes upon Jesus. Try it. You’ll be joyfully surprised!
PRAYER
Lord, because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I love, and in your name I will lift up my hands. ~ Psalm 63:3-4