Let’s be honest. We sometimes surprise ourselves at how we react, which can be ‘good’ and ‘bad’. Sometimes our reaction demonstrates grace and other times you’d rather forget what you did/said. Also, there are times we are surprised at a reaction from someone else that seems totally ‘out of character’ with who we think they are. This only affirms the belief that no one should be pigeon-holed, no relationship is ever to be in cement and static. If our relationships aren’t growing then they are probably in a state of atrophy.
Open the windows and doors and let the new, the never thought about… in to be discovered, accepted, rejected, adapted, etc. The new is built on the old. If all you do is replace the old with the new I would argue that you are eliminating. The ‘old’ always has something to share, to provide a perspective to add to the new. And sometimes the ‘new’ has to be learned.
Whether it is to ourselves, when we realize our surprise… or others, when we see their expressions, our reaction is not unakin to… really???!!! Now, how to react to our own surprise, how to respond ‘appropriately’. It doesn’t make as much difference about how we come to the realization, though that should tell us about how we are cementing ourselves and others, as much as it is accepting what has happened. Bottom line: we grow, others grow and that’s the delight. When the things that are not typical, are out of character – then we have the opportunity to reassess, refine our thinking about what happened, how we reacted to the new information, and how we go forward.
The following scriptures can give us insights on How we can respond and How we should view these times:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)
This may be the reality and/or purpose for what seems contrary or contradictory. Before throwing out the ‘new’, try and view it in this context.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Is fear or discouragement the basis for your reaction? If so, then does your faith and/or trust needs strengthening. We know that if the Lord is in it… then it is right and good.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”(Proverbs 3: 5-6)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8)
This assurance, that when we turn to the Lord, He WILL make certain to teach us what we need to know. Simply because it seems new, the newness make only be ours. This can become a new adventure in understanding.
These are only a few of scripture’s ‘advice’ to us on how to respond to the ‘really!!!!’s in our lives. Different, unusual, even odd can be a plus… and yes, it can be a negative. It’s our attitude that determines what and how we handle the really’s in our lives. My advice is to always ‘test the spirits’ (1 John 4:1) – never accept or reject without understanding.
