Life Unexpected Happened!
You know …
when something fabulous happens, and you rush in to grab a tight hold of the moment then, suddenly, you realize that it could be fleeting? If you’re like me, you hold on with every ounce of your being, not because you need anything from that moment; you just want to cherish it for as long as possible.
If you are guilty of rushing in at any time in your life, then I know we may be cut from the same fabric. In fact, I may have even made a whole wardrobe from that one piece of fabric to keep the memory safely tucked away in my wardrobe. I have an entire closet full of special memories stitched in time. Not kidding!
Well, I certainly stepped all in it last week when I saw Dr. Tony Evans’ daughter, Chrystal Evans Hurst, on our travels. With no proper respect for her privacy or possible need to remain anonymous, I found myself hugging her and taking her up on her suggestion to take a photo of the two of us. Yes, I did. This bestselling author, podcast host, and beloved speaker was authentic. She also remembered featuring our In Our Arms “Breathe” custom candle on her 2021 Christmas Collection Giveaway broadcast.
Now …
my mom raised me right, and I know you just don’t do that—hug a semi-stranger. However, I seriously could not help myself. I was all smiles and excitement, and she was the most gracious, high-in-demand woman of God I have met. She held no caution towards me as I explained us having a mutual friend, Melanie Walker; my one vocal opportunity singing backup for her brother, Anthony Evans, for a David Phelps concert taping directed by Michael Adler, and I even unapologetically mentioned my very famous daughter, Eliotte Nicole, who is a background vocalist for you know who. We talked of our disability advocacy and my forthcoming book. There was not one ounce of humility in that moment. Shameful, I know. Later in our conversation, I would apologize for the intrusion … several times.
My “glass half full” personality always believes that Life Unexpected needs me to help usher it in! Somehow I think the “unexpected” calls me to smother it with my arms before it has a chance to be discovered. It is just not so, and I find myself often counseling my own shoes to stay put and not move forward. Sometimes, though, those shoes are just made for walking closer.
This was one of those times I will not regret. My husband, Dr. Chris, on the other hand, wished he had seen me taking that first step towards Chrystal so that he could have politely redirected my feet in the other direction because I am generally much more forward than anyone he knows! Yet, he was also honored to greet Chrystal.
I am grateful for the unexpected few minutes of conversation with Chrystal. If you see this, @chrystalhurst, thank you for your time and grace. This girl walks with an uncaged sense of wonder at God’s surprises. You were one of those blessings last week for me in the midst of a hard day. You will never know how your tender invitation to find out who I am allowed me to experience God’s ultimate assurance that His eyes are on this newly freed sparrow.
Expect the unexpected moments, my friends. They do and will happen in your life.
Listening Library: His Eye Is On the Sparrow (Lauryn Hill and Tanya Blount)
His Eye Is On the Sparrow
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
Copyright: Public Domain
Words: Civilla Durfee Martin, Music: Charles Hutchinson Gabriel
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