Joseph’s shock over Mary’s pregnancy, of course, was far more significant than my frustration over my lost books. Before Joseph understood what was really happening, he must have felt some pretty big emotions. But then—the angel. And then—Jesus.

Our surprises don’t generally turn out as well as Joseph’s did. How could they? How could anything match Jesus? But sometimes, like Joseph’s, our surprises turn out better than we initially thought.

Let us be open to the idea that in the middle of our complicated, sometimes frustrating lives, some of the surprises might be good. Let us hold to our plans, however well-considered, a little more lightly. Sometimes God will be doing a new thing in our lives.

I’ll see you in church,

Becky

Prayer

God of surprises,

We thank you that we don’t ultimately hold the reins in everything.

While our lives are often frustrating

And while some surprises are unwelcome,

We know that ultimately your plans cannot be frustrated.

You don’t seem to choose to control everything—

Although sometimes we might wish that you did—

But you do ensure that we have what we need to know you.

Help us to keep our priorities straight,

And to cling a little less tightly to our plans and schedules and priorities.

Help us to trust that you are with us always,

including through all of the surprises—

And to know that sometimes, even if not always,

those surprises are better than we think. Amen.