Unexpected

The Unexpected is what provides the opportunity for spontaneity.  It is the Unexpected that can also bring Joy.

Unexpected defined as “something that was not planned or anticipated, occurring without warning”, “surprising”.

Last week we were walking up the road and the Unexpected happened when the neighbour across the road said that she was going away for the week and we were welcome to use their pool.  It was such a generous offer and changed our week.  The Unexpected bringing us Joy.  And now that they are back home, we feel an Unexpected friendship, a chatting, a getting to know our neighbours, a becoming of friends.

Last year we met new friends at the park, it was Unexpected, and their friendship has also brought us Joy. 

I also know that in my work and also in life there is the Unexpected - some which will bring Joy, and other times the Unexpected will bring other emotions.

In my work last year it was so Unexpected when my Manager told me that I could no longer work hours at home.  This was very Unexpected and did not bring Joy - not initially - there was shock, anger, worry - I wanted to fight back, fight for my rights, tell them of my success.  And then after chatting with my husband and thinking it through myself, I realised that this Unexpected change, had the opportunity to bring me Joy, to take away my work pressure, my stress, the anxiety, the guilt of trying to work while being at home with my children, while my children sit on their tablets playing computer games.  While this Unexpected decision by Management means less money for my family, this Unexpected decision has meant I get a lunchbreak and means I can take my children to the park and be more organised at home.  One of my favourite books that I always remember reading is ‘Your Money Or Your Life’ and now I feel I can live this dream - I choose to ‘work to live’, not ‘live to work’.  I choose my children, my husband, my family.  Once again the Unexpected bring Joy.

I know the Unexpected will not always bring the best yet I will choose to find the positive, focus on the light.  

On my daughter’s last day of school last year I took my daughter for a pedicure and manicure.  And then to our surprise, we saw one of my daughter’s friends and then we invited her for an ice chocolate - an Unexpected surprise that brought Joy - an opportunity for us to be spontaneous. 

And now as another school year is due to begin, I hope and pray that the Unexpected that is gifted to our family, brings us the greatest Joy, brings us the light, brings us sunshine.