A Holy Hustle New YearExemplo

The Bible is full of wonderful examples of faithful men and women who remained obedient to God in good and bad times. But what happens when our daily obedience – those simple moments of “yes, Lord” – result in surprise blessings? Jobs that we never thought we wanted suddenly become the work we knew we were created to do. Children we never dreamed of having suddenly become an answer to a prayer we didn’t know we needed. Opportunities that fall through suddenly create space for a joy-filled moment we might have otherwise missed.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not usually a fan of surprises. I like to know what’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen, and how I’m supposed to dress for the occasion. I nearly ruined my husband’s proposal because I was so caught off guard, and I never know where to look or what to do when a group yells “surprise!” as I walk into a room.

Of course, when someone sends me a surprise present in the mail or my husband plans a date night, I love it. It’s complicated.

Today's reading takes us to the story of Mary, as the angel appears to her and tells her that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. It’s pretty likely that I wouldn’t have responded to Gabriel’s news the same way Mary did. But Mary’s faithfulness and her habit of daily obedience to God gave her the courage to say, “May it be done.” And so, she invited God to surprise her with an unexpected blessing that would change the world.

As we look to the year ahead, how can you create some margin in your schedule to abide with God, to invite Him to surprise and delight you? What are the daily habits and small moments of obedience that will make sure you're ready to experience those surprises as blessings and not interruptions?