Warm rays caressing my eyes, the sun greets me with the promise of a brilliant Saturday morning. Inviting me into my cozy arm chair, I linger over my morning coffee. Closing my eyes, hugging my warm cup, He’s there. Inviting me into the joy of embracing the treasure of the unexpected day unfolding before me.
How I covet my Saturday mornings with the Lover of my soul.
Weekdays allow us mere scraps of time. A 4:30 alarm signals the start of each day. A whispered good morning, a routine cup of coffee; I sink into my favorite chair, Bible upon my lap. I breathe in his presence, but we dare not linger; for the loud tick of the wall clock reminds us the day’s schedule ruthlessly beckons.
But Saturday gifts us with an unhurried rendezvous, where time has no dictate.
A smile touches my lips, as my hand caresses the pages of my open Bible, in anticipation of embracing the treasure He has for me. Suddenly, my phone lights up with my daughter’s name: a quick glance at the time confirms this is no casual chat.
embracing the unexpected
Creatures of habit, we pursue the predictable; schedule, plan, and generally keep things moving smoothly along. Acknowledging unexpected events may happen, we purchase insurance, save for a rainy day, or incorporate margin into otherwise busy schedules.
Yet, nothing sends me into a tailspin faster than an unexpected twist or turn to my day. Even more discouraging, a detour affecting my anticipated life’s journey, often ushers in paralyzing grief.
God often invites me into the Joy of embracing the treasure of the unexpected in my day, but I rarely submit to His leading.
On this particular day, I confess upon hearing my daughter’s request to accompany her to the emergency room with my two-year old granddaughter Grace; dread took the upper hand.
While forced to embrace the unexpected, “treasure” was the last thing on my mind as we entered triage and saw the troubled look on the pediatrician’s face.
Join me over at Embracing the Unexpected where I share the rest of my story of finding not only hope, but embracing the treasure God had for us in the unexpected. I am delighted to be a part of my dear friend, Maree Dee’s Summer series, “How to Embrace the Unexpected and Persevere: Real Life Stories.”
Donna, thank you for the beauty of your thoughts here. You show us how to Embracing the Treasure in the Unexpected.❤🙏
Thank you Deborah for your kind words. Finding treasure in the unexpected doesn’t always look like we thought it would! But we know God is always with us.
Those mornings when we can linger over Scripture are a gift for sure. The Lord knows exactly when to fill our hearts fully so as to prepare us for those unexpected circumstances.
Joanne, that morning awhile back reinformed the importance of sitting with Jesus at the start of the day, centering my thoughts and heart on Him. How much easier to face the day He has prepared!
Hi Donna, I was smiling as I read the intro to your post. I also love that slow day where the clock doesn’t chase you away from the Word and your time with the Lord. And you are right, many times those twists in the day lead to tailspins and not “God’s got this, lets do this!” Thank you for the encouragement to rest in knowing He is in control regardless.
God bless
Tracy
Tracy, I truly love those mornings when no agenda beckons me through my quiet time with God! While my initial reaction to unexpected events isn’t always to cling to God, I’m getting better at the SECOND reaction being one of trust!
I can relate to this, Donna, “But Saturday gifts us with an unhurried rendezvous, where time has no dictate…to meet with the Lover of my soul.”
This is so true, “Shifting our perspective from the uncertainty before us to the sovereign presence of God, unlocks hope, positioning us for receiving His grace as we move forward. While often distressing and even painful, the unexpected offers the best opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with Christ.” I’m so thankful He works all things together for our good, Donna. I hope your granddaughter is doing better.
Thank you Lisa, for your encouraging remarks! Learning to lean into the unexpected with the right perspective is a tough lesson to learn! I am growing in my ability to simply rest and cling to God when I hit those unexpected times! Thank you for your wishes for my granddaughter, she is doing much better!
Oh my I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen, riveted to my seat. Wow! This sure hits home. Did you know you were speaking directly to me today? God knew. I’m having trouble putting into words how this touched my heart today.
Thank you again for linking up with Sweet Tea & Friends this month my friend.
Thank you sweet friend for your lovely words of encouragement! I praise God for His perfect words just when we need them! Rejoicing you found this post such a blessing! I pray His words continue to bless you!