Here’s some advice we could all take to heart: Don’t be surprised.
When you first hear it, it might not mean what you think it means.
My wife was telling me about a mother whose cause for canonization is open. One of her characteristics? She was never surprised when her kids acted like kids—when they were imperfect, when they fought, when they bickered.
She wasn’t shocked by it. She didn’t lose her peace over it. She just wasn’t surprised.
Now, this isn’t pessimism. It’s not “expect the worst so you’re prepared for disappointment.”
It’s something deeper: How can we bear all things well and accept all things from the hand of God?
Don’t be surprised when good things happen. Don’t be surprised when bad things happen.
Don’t be surprised when your kids act like kids. Don’t be surprised when you struggle with the same sin again. Don’t be surprised when the project falls through. Don’t be surprised when the blessing comes.
Not because we’re cynical. But because we know God is at work in all of it.
All things work for good for those who love God. That’s the promise.
So we don’t have to be shocked by imperfection. We don’t have to be thrown off by setbacks. We don’t have to be caught off guard by joy.
We can bear it all well. We can receive it all from God’s hand.
That’s what “don’t be surprised” really means.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, help us bear all things well, knowing that You are at work in everything. We receive it all from Your hand. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
