Surprising Improvements (07/02/2026)

Yesterday looked pretty boring as I scanned the calendar on the fridge. But then I decided to boil some eggs because I’d bought extra for our company and hadn’t used them. I put them on the stove to boil and 10 minutes later, the phone rang. It was my grandson and his fiancé asking if they could visit. I was thrilled. No one loves my deviled eggs more than him. The day was looking up.

I was finishing the deviled eggs just as they arrived. He taste tested one right away and gave me a thumbs up. Then I made us all sandwiches, and we sat and chatted. As we visited, I suddenly remembered the light bulbs in the hallway that needed to be replaced. So, I asked him if he’d help me. And within minutes that chore was marked off my list. The day was definitely looking up.

Don’t you just love surprises, the good ones, the ones that bring people you love to you and allow you time to spend together. I know I do. And before I went to bed last night, I made a point of thanking the LORD for family, for time to spend together, and for opportunities to help one another along the way. And I thanked the LORD for adult grandkids who think to visit while in the neighborhood.

Many times, almost daily, in fact, what I live is not entirely in keeping with what I planned. Most of the time, like yesterday, I must admit, is a surprising improvement to what I’d planned. I will keep making plans, keep thinking of my purpose for the day, but part of my prayer daily is to be flexible to surprise.

As we journey through life in faith, buoyed by hope, and fueled by love, we need plans, forethoughts of what we can and should do. But we also need flexibility. How many times did our loving Savior allow the surprises to redirect his travels like the centurion’s request to heal his servant, the official who begged that Jesus come heal his daughter, the blind Bartimaeus asking to see, and even his own mother’s concern about wine at a wedding. Jesus taught us that a loving response to the needs of the moment trumps previous plans. Let us commit to making plans but to always choose loving well.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.