Just Like That

When was the last time you were surprised? Experienced something you didn’t see coming or were even thinking about? Big or small, what happened that caught you off guard? 

Maybe it was a happy surprise such as a gift you now get to enjoy, an invitation into something you did not know you were ready for, or a new relationship that fills your heart with joy.   

Of course, life surprises go the other way, too. The doctor gives you the news of a life-changing diagnosis, you experience a sudden job change, or lose a precious loved one. This category of surprise tends to knock the wind right out of you, and just like that, your life is no longer the same. 

As I reflect on my own life, I can name several “I didn’t see it coming” events that have either brought great joy and were an answer to prayer or were hard and challenged me in ways I would have opted out of given the choice. 

I randomly met my husband, got accepted into grad school, moved across the country suddenly, and was told I was having a girl for the first time. All surprises. And there have been losses, too. A few unplanned surgeries, financial ups and downs, and just like that, I was a single mom of two young girls after the loss of my husband. All surprises. 

Each one stretched and shaped me in ways that felt both life-giving and almost impossible, depending on the day. Each one required choice after choice on how to navigate and who to trust as my guides in each next step. Each one formed something in me that I could not even see yet, requiring my heart to trust a bigger plan that was happening. 

In my work with others and in my own life, I pay a lot of attention to how we respond to these “just like that” moments. Our emotions, relationships, learned behaviors, faith in God, and whether we have had enough to eat or sleep help direct what we do next. This is so fascinating to me.

Our responses can range from calm and logical to panic and overwhelm, from gratitude and humility to anger and avoidance. Prayer comes easily or is difficult. My personal favorite response, especially under stress, is to go into hyperproductive mode. Others welcome the safety of shutting down into endless distractions.

Who we turn to in these “just like that” moments also plays an important role in our responses. Who in your life offers you hope and inspiration? Who do you seek wisdom and guidance from? What draws you toward them?  Alternatively, who influences you in subtle ways that stir up comparison, insecurity, and doubt? Who we follow really does matter.  

Take a deep breath because the good news is we have our whole lives to pay attention to how we respond, who we follow, and how we are learning to trust the journey we are on.

Even better news is that God loves us and leads the way. A God who cares about every step we take. A God who calls us to be with him when a surprise–happy or sad–comes our way. A God who can touch our hearts just like that.

Please join me, the VantagePoint3 team, and a community of others just like you, who have a desire to spend time with this loving, leading God at our upcoming online retreat.  We will be creating space for you to  experience the practice of solitude, engage in prayer and good conversation. I pray you can join us. 

A Prayer

May these words from Psalm 143  be your prayer today. 

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

    for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

    for to you, I entrust my life.

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,

    for I hide myself in you.

Teach me to do your will,

    for you are my God;

may your good Spirit

    lead me on level ground.

Amen.