When our cats were spayed, the vet told us to let them sleep inside one night before allowing them to return outside. We prepped the laundry room, as we did when they were young kittens, and closed them up for the night. Little did I know a surprise was coming.

Fast forward. Two in the morning. My belly wasn’t feeling the greatest, so I got up to sit in the bedroom recliner. After being awake a little while, I heard a scratching under my bed. In the darkness, I peered over the edge of my chair and looked at the shadowed floor. I still heard the noise but couldn’t find the source.

I switched on the lamp and leaned toward the floor. When I did, one of the cats leaped into my lap. I screamed. The cat ran. My husband woke up, laughed hysterically, and then had to find the cat. He brought her back to me. I held her close, petted her head, and assured her all was well. Then I returned little Miss Houdini to the laundry room.

Life has a way of throwing us surprises. Lately, I’ve felt as if I were planning my days and weeks, and then someone else was grabbing the planner and rewriting all my days. So many surprises accompanied by numerous unexpected add-ons.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

~Proverbs 3:5 ESV

I can typically overcome a few altered days. But when days turn into weeks and then months, weariness sets in. Tired. Foggy. Hard days and weeks make me want to run away and hide after a while.

But as my wise friends and family remind me, I should perhaps slow down and rest. Resting is difficult when I could be doing so many good things. Yet, I know I’m no good to anyone if I’m foggy, exhausted, and tired.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices.

~Psalm 37:7 ESV

In this season of surprise, I need rest. To say no for now. I can say yes again later. Restoration, rest, and renewal must take priority. Listening to my body instead of pushing it to its limits is necessary. And trusting God to meet me in the weak moments is essential.

Let God teach you how to know what areas to cut and which ones to keep when your world gets overloaded.

Dear Jesus, when the busyness and extras of life come my way, please help me slow down and rest. I want to be effective in your kingdom, but if I keep pushing, I’ll be no good to anyone for anything. Focus my eyes on you. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Surprise: Christy Bass Adams: All Rights Reserved