Is your day-to-day life scheduled and planned to the brink?  Do you have anticipation for each detail that will happen?  Is there any room for the unexpected?  Do you have contingencies built into the daily planner for the unforeseen?

We have had a few “surprises” pop up over the last couple of weeks.  Did you hear about the zebras on the loose in North Bend, Washington?  I’m certain the owner was not anticipating the escape of the footloose and fancy free foursome while she was adjusting the transport trailer.  Three were rounded up after a few hours, but one sly little zebra kept the public guessing about her whereabouts for nearly a week.  The escapee brought a lot of smiles to social media and local communities alike!  I still see imprints of her escapades around town.

Several nights ago, everyone was looking to the heavens to witness the aurora.  Did you see it?  I realize it wasn’t a true “surprise”, meteorologists and astronomers predicted the light show based on the solar flare activity with the sun.  Was it anticipated in your life or was it unexpected?  Word travels fast on the social media highway.  Until I saw images, I hadn’t been aware of the enormity of the spectacular show.

Unexpected shows up and surprises us with intensity or joy.  Is there room in your life for the unforeseen?  Are you ruffled by out-of-the-blue occurrences or do you embrace the excitement of something new?  Some of us are planners.  We need to know what is going to happen, when and where.  If there is a change in those plans, it can send us into a bit of a tizzy!  As I have matured (age wise!) my reaction to unexpected deviations is less reactive.  I think I have come to embrace that things happen for a reason.  If it is not how we planned it, maybe it’s how He planned it!  Our God wants things for us and He has a plan and a purpose for our lives.  His hands are in the little things as well as the big. 

Have you ever had an outing disrupted or delayed?  Ever get on the road later than expected and found that there was an accident on your route?  Makes you think about divine timing.  What about being delayed to reach an appointment?  It’s happened to me and in that specific moment I have become frustrated.  Then, on the way, I cross paths with someone who impacts my life – either an old friend or an anonymous individual who suddenly needs help.  It could be one connection leading to another.  What if I hadn’t been delayed?  Would I have missed that opportunity?  Interruptions, though bothersome at times, could be viewed as invitations.

Structure and planning has great benefits in helping us to direct our focus.  Our schedule becomes richer if we build in allowances for adjustment.  Flexibility infuses positivity into our lives.  Rather than fear of the unforeseen, anticipation of the unexpected breeds calm excitement for the adventure ahead.  Keep your eyes open to the heavens, among the trees or on your list of to-dos.  You never know when there will be a spectacular display of beauty, a chance opportunity or a zebra crossing your path!