the unexpected

strange things happen.

people come into our lives that we think will always be there, but then they do the unexpected - they leave. others come into our lives for what seems a fleeting moment, and the unexpected happens - they stay.

we can try to predict all we want. we can hope for, believe in or bank on certain circumstances, but in the end, life will always offer its own element of timing, serendipity and surprise...regardless of what we have planned.

it's not a bad thing. if you think about it, it is this element of the unknown that makes life oh-so fascinating.

i mean, let's face it. predictability is boring. if we all knew exactly how things would play out, we would probably lose interest in our own lives. we'd be destined for a certain end, and we'd know it all along. where's the fun in that?

we get into trouble when we fail to value the unexpected. sure, it can break our hearts; it can make us cry; it can make no sense; it can hurt. but the unexpected can also bring us joy, rejuvenate us, surprise us and connect us.

the next time something bad unexpectedly happens, trust the process, have patience and let time do its thing. the clarity will come once we're open to it. they say "time heals all wounds," but that's not all it's good for. it also allows for growth, reflection and improvement...so take advantage of it. besides, we never know when the next good unexpected thing might cross our path.

don't stare so long at a closed door that you fail to recognize and appreciate the breeze from an open window. whether we realize it or not, sometimes the unexpected is just what we need.