“Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise-then you will discover the fullness of your life.” David Steindl-Rast
I don’t why I was so excited about turning 50. The countdown to the big event actually began at 105 days!
Admittedly, I was a little perturbed that my husband was not paying as much attention to this significant milestone in my life as I thought the occasion warranted. As I was sharing my concerns with a friend, she said, “Why don’t you just tell Scott what you want for your birthday.” I told her, “Because I really want a surprise party.” She said, “Yeah, you can’t tell him that.” So I to let it go.
A month before the big day, we were getting ready for our annual St. Patrick’s Day feast. I didn’t think twice when Scott sent me to pick up my mom who was in town, after all, I was already on my way to pick up my dad. I also didn’t think it was weird when my mother forgot her purse and I had to go back and pick it up. Now I was a little agitated when Scott called not once, but two more times, “Pick up some ice” and “Pick up some coffee creamer.”
After all the delays, I had both of my parents and the groceries in my car and headed home. I unloaded car, dragged in the bag of ice, the creamer, my mom’s suitcase, her purse and pillow. I entered the house and heard, “SURPRISE!!!” Scott pulled it off – the perfect surprise party!
When you are willing to give up control of HOW something is going to happen, it is often better than you can imagine. Mike Dooley of TUT.com advises to, “Let go of the ‘cursed how’s’.” Funny thing is, it works!
Have fun,
Lisa
PS – If you don’t allow yourself to enjoy surprises, you’re missing one of the true unexpected joys of life.
