A Christmas Blessing in Disguise (12/26/2023)

Yesterday, when I arrived at church for Mass, I found the sanctuary full of poinsettias. It looked beautiful. However, I am very allergic to poinsettias. And so, instead of my usual place in the second pew, I explained to the usher my problem and that I needed to stay as far away from the red blooms as possible. I took a seat next to him in the back of church. When it was time to go outside to start greeting the people as they arrived, his helper still hadn’t arrived. So, I volunteered. It met two needs; it helped the greeter out and it took me outside, away from the red blooms.  And I think I might have discovered a new calling. I loved welcoming everyone as they arrived. Once again, the LORD wrote straight with a crooked line.

I truly cannot count the times every week that something unexpected happens that leads to a spiritual discovery, a needed reminder of the path of the LORD, a door opening to the next phase of my journey. When I was younger, I used to get upset when my plan didn’t work out. With age, I have learned that most times, what does unfold is far better than what I’d planned or even hoped would occur. Blessings often appear before us, but we never unwrap them because they aren’t what we ordered.

Every phase of my life has been marked with a myriad of divine surprises. I bet yours has, too. If I might be so bold as to speak the obvious, as one who’s lived a long time, the LORD often surprises us with what at first blush appears to be an obstacle, but ultimately is a step closer to Him. Yesterday is a perfect example.

I could have sat in the back of church upset that once again I was unable to sit where I like because of the decorations. But the Spirit nudged me – as long as I was out of my comfort zone, how about trying something new. From where I was forced to sit, I could see a need I’d never have seen in the second pew. I must tell you, though I have come to expect it, I am still amazed at how the LORD’s design is always better than mine.

As we continue on our way in, with and through the grace of our all-loving and ever-present LORD, let us open ourselves to the LORD’s divine design, allowing the LORD to guide us, truly guide us, and to open for us new horizons, new possibilities, new hopes that far exceed what we have planned. Let us come to expect the divine surprises sprinkled in our paths and let us welcome them. And may we always cooperate with the Spirit who is trying so very hard to lead us.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.