Why Bother To Notice The Pleasant Surprises?

I’ve noticed more pleasant surprises in my life than usual. Is it because there are more of them or am I simply becoming more aware and appreciative of them?  A delightful surprise takes us off guard. It is unexpected and nothing which we orchestrate for ourselves. When one receives a surprise, we feel valued, understood and appreciated.

Big or Small

Surprises come in various sizes. A short, handwritten note, a small gift wrapped in tissue paper, a friend’s carefully planned birthday getaway or someone new in your life who wants to be a friend. Having been a recipient to all of these large and small unforeseen gestures of kindness has warmed my heart and put a smile on my face. 

One year, my sons were too young to acknowledge Mother’s Day and my husband neglected to give me any small token of appreciation. Though I did not expect breakfast in bed, I’d hoped for a little recognition, but none came. The day was mundane and uneventful. The following day, when my husband came home from work, he gave me a card with a written apology which included his admission to being a jerk. His words and the fact he’d recognized my sentiments was the best surprise of any Mother’s Day. 

The biggest birthday surprise I ever received was a train trip to Glacier National Park. As per tradition, my husband took me out for a date, but this time, another couple joined us. We drove out of town for dinner and lingered long over a delicious meal. We leisurely strolled along the lake shore and then dined on delectable desserts at another restaurant. The evening lengthened into late night and I became curious. On our way home, we detoured to the train station. I wondered if my husband had planned a surprise visit from one of my sisters. Instead, my friend led me to the train platform and said we were getting on the next train. Dumbfounded, she told me of her carefully planned excursion for just the two of us. We’d ride the train into Glacier Park, spend the day and return again by train. She’d even packed an overnight bag for me. It was an unexpected birthday gift instigated by someone who knows me and I felt greatly valued.

Not everyone knows of the difficult events in my life, the ones which make my heart ache, but when they think of me, their thoughts turn into significant acts of kindness. Recently, I came home to a small package wrapped in tissue paper and left in a gift sack on my back porch. Inside was a card and a book of inspirational writings. It was from a friend, one whom I don’t see often, but one who knows how to encourage my heart.  

Why bother to notice pleasant surprises? Pleasant surprises are worth noticing because they become memories which can make us smile even in the gloomiest of times.