“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:12 ( KJV )

“A new commandment I give to you that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35 ( KJV )

Prayer: “Father, the fact that you became flesh and dwelt among us proves that you love us far beyond our worth. We ask you, Father, to fill us to overflowing with your love, so that it flows freely from us to others. Let our lives be testimonies of your love so that when people look at us they see a glimpse of your deep love for them.” (From Max Lucado's study of the Book of 1 st Corinthians.)

I don't usually like surprises. I like to make a schedule for the day, check off what I'm able to accomplish and know what and how much time I have left to complete my tasks. I like to know when company is coming, how many to cook for, have time to tidy up the house and prepare the right amount of food.

But, as I stop to think about it, some of the nicest things that happen to me are surprises. A few weeks ago a call from our former neighbors of 42 years from Westfield, NJ, said they were 15 minutes away on I-80. Could we meet them at the Cracker Barrel for an early supper? Of course, we could and did! At Christmastime, a sleigh bell with a gingham cord and an accompanying story appeared on our front door–an anonymous and loving surprise.

As I look back on my life of many years, I can see that it has been filled by God's loving surprises. The Depression was a terrible time for our family, and we had to leave our little hometown in Illinois and move to Albuquerque, NM, where my uncle gave my father a job. But God had a plan and He turned this into good for each member of our family with new relationships, new opportunities and, yes, the place where I returned after college and met Derl, who was stationed there in the Air Force. Our journey together has been full of God's direction and, yes, some surprises ever since.

In His love, God has formed and is forming my life for His purpose and according to His plan for me. Yes, He cares for me and for each one of us. We are His. And though “we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face,” someday all of this life and its surprises, will be made clear to us. Look for Christ in the everyday events of your life. Ask Him to come into your life today. Turn it over to Him and you too will be surprised by God's unlimited grace. “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all” (from the hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross ).

CHARLENE DERR