It’s 9:40 and already today hasn’t gone as planned. I wasn’t going to write this post, for one. We had a lot to do between dance class and preparation for our one 2-day weekend as a family.
And then, through a miscommunication, we ended up skipping dance. Instead, we are playing in the snow, drinking hot chocolate and going at a slower pace. Instead of rushing to pack and remember all of the things kids need for an overnight and worry about leaving on time, we’re able to stop and enjoy the fire, to play a bit, and to ease into the day.
Sometimes surprises can be exciting – surprise parties, surprise trips – they get my energy going. Sometimes surprises are overwhelming and take a lot of recalibration.
Other surprises – like today’s – cause me to remember that it’s ok to pause. That sometimes we need to stop and play in the snow. That, even in the midst of the miscommunications of tax season, some miscommunications work to our advantage. It wasn’t even a miscommunication but an act of service when Frank should have been rushing off to work that allowed us to play rather than rush.
Today’s surprise bodes well for our weekend. We get two whole days together as a family and I hope to remember this pause – that it’s not about packing in the time together but resting in our 48 hour break before this last push.
Do you use surprises to your advantage or do they catch you off guard?
Linked with Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday, a time to write without editing. Today’s prompt is “surprise.”
Annie Rim 
Sounds like a great way to spend a day, Annie! So glad your family got this time together. Thanks for the reminder to use surprises for the best 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Emily!
Coming to you from FMF. I’m #53
We often say, we don’t like surprises. But so many good things come in the midst of a surprise!
Blessings
GGMandy
So true – I need to remember the joy in the surprise. Thanks for visiting!
Yes, time to pause is good. Oh how often life gets busy and we forget to take that time to breath. It’s been snowing here too. I would love to play in the snow with you and your family.
You are welcome to play with us anytime! 🙂 Those pauses are so saving – I need to remember them more…!
You guys are wise to take time away as a family. I hope your weekend truly is restful. 🙂 My surprises today were essentially a snow day for my younger boy, and then someone asking him over for a playdate. In an already busy morning, having him go to a friend’s house was God’s answer to my prayer for time. That pocket of time refreshed me and gave me a chance to breathe before a busy weekend.
I like some surprises, but I have to “recalibrate” with others. The good thing is God knows the plans He has in all the happenings in our lives, and I can rest on that. 🙂
Love unexpected play dates – they are truly lifesavers!! Hope you all had a wonderful snow day. We’re enjoying it up in the mountains 🙂