Monday, November 10, 2008

surprises

Don't you just love surprises? I am a big fan of surprises; and this past week was filled with surprises for me. On Wednesday, November 5th, I celebrated a birthday. I guess I could have stayed at home and taken the day off, but Karen was planning on helping at the church that day; and I would rather spend my birthday around her. Anyway, I am busy in my office, when Karen steps in and tells me that there is someone in the lobby to see me. This is not something unusual, since people do stop by from time to time. I walk to the lobby and there is my daughter, Kristen, from Asheville. SURPRISE!!! After a hug (yes, a hug), and a "What are you doing here?" from me, I find out that this had all been planned as part of a birthday surprise for me. Did I say that I love surprises? Kristen stayed at the church with her mom and me, then we were planning to go out and eat.........also part of the birthday plans. This happens at our birthdays all the time; the going out to eat part. Then, another surprise. We end up at my parent's house for hamburgers. There is just something about the way my mom makes hamburgers, and steams the rolls, and the mayonaise slaw.....SURPRISE!!!
Kristen's plan is to head back to Asheville, Thursday evening. She is going to a Bible Study, and Karen and I are getting ready for Small Group at home. I have had a great time with my daughter being home for my birthday, and as the day is coming to an end......the kitchen door opens, and Joshua, my son, comes in from Lynchburg. SURPRISE!!! Are you kidding me?!? All this is part of the plans that Karen has put together for my birthday. Amazing.
I am so blessed to have a wife that likes to surprise me; children that would drive 2-2 1/2 hours just to say "Happy Birthday"; parents who love me; brothers and sisters who send cards, and call on my birthday. And, one thing that I have learned over the years, is that surprises are what makes life so exciting. Without them.......we just live a day-to-day life. We were given life to enjoy it, and to enjoy it to the fullest.....fill it with surprises.

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