Don't you love surprises? As a mom, my favorite surprise is probably when my kids do things unexpected.......like clean up around the house WITHOUT being begged, bribed, nagged nor chastised. Without even an eye roll or a moan. Don't get me wrong, I have great kids. But, they are kids. They are people, not machines that take in every word I said and spit out the proper and expected response.
But in those moments when one or all of them do something out of their own volition, when they self motivate and choose to do something wonderful, it practically stops my heart. I feel the deepest sense of thankfulness.
Or when you have a birthday and it seems like you will have to make your own cake......again. I remember, years ago, the first time that I could remember, I was meeting a friend at the park to let the kids play on my birthday. She brought a cake AND a homemade birthday banner to put on my car. Still brings tears to my eyes. The joy of the small and unexpected.
Now, I don't like surprises as much when it is done with a taunting, "I know something you don't know." Then I wonder. Then I worry. Then I hope that I will be appropriately "surprised."
Surprises by nature should come as a (gasp) surprise. Not to be redundant. We should experience an element of shock. Of marvel. Of amazement.
Strangely, the biggest surprises are often really small things. Like kids who cleaned up the kitchen while you were out. Or a parent who manages to find the exactly right shoes for their teen at just the right price.
Practice the element of surprise. Surprise the people around you with good things. With a clean car. Or a flower on the door. Or a baked goodie. ;) Or a card. Or a letter in the mail. Or with a book they want to read. Or a clean room. Or cooking a meal. Or cleaning up. Or a banner telling them how wonderful they are affixed to their home or car while they are gone. Or anything.
Take the time to think of ways to surprise the people who you are close to. Think of what will bring them a chuckle or a smile or a good kinda tear. And DO it. Why are you holding back? What's there to lose?
Now, remember, there are some surprises that catch us completely off guard and yet are not quite as good. Last year, well after Christmas, while cleaning behind the piano, I found a gift bag with pretty tissue paper shoved back there. I reached my hand in there excitedly since I could tell from the heft that something was inside. I thought that it must be a misplaced gift and imagined that someone was going to be really excited........only to feel something crumbly, hard and crusty. I looked in. Dog poop. One of my kids had decided that when cleaning up after the puppy it would be a good idea to hide the doggy doo so that mom wouldn't realize that it had happened so that she wouldn't be upset....ah. Quite the surprise. Not so great. But, I have to say, I will always remember it. I was stunned. In a GIFT BAG!!!
As you are going along, plan surprises. Just little things. Like saying yes. to ice cream. or going to the store. or having something special.
The best surprises are completely fitted to the person they are being given to. Unique. I remember seeing a show or a movie where the mom constantly belittles her daughter's weight. She is incessant. But, one day, the child comes home and finds a whole new wardrobe. She is delighted. Until she realizes that it's two sizes two small. A surprise with a jab. But, the kind nanny/housekeeper stays up all night and alters every outfit..........a blessed, giving, generous surprise. The one who had no money, actually gave the best gift. I love it.
blessings,
rhonda
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