I love to surprise people. I love keeping secrets in the name of surprises! I love to show people how much I love them by doing their laundry un-expectantly, baking them cookies at random, or even planning surprise scavenger hunts for them!
Here in Uganda we live in a FABULOUS house with our housekeeper, Seth. He is a 19 year old knock out! He helps us do EVERYTHING! (If anyone from the last Uganda team is reading this- thanks for teaching him how to make cookie dough! We are definitely going to get fat from all of the treats he’s helping us make! It’s way better than the food in the bush!) Anyway, Seth is always in on my surprises, odds are I need help making them! Well yesterday me and my AMAZING co-leader, Austin, were making dinner for the team (did I mention he’s amazing?) and Seth said, “So what’s the surprise today?” I was caught off guard, “What surprise?” I responded. He replied with, “Darby, you have a surprise every day! What will it be today?” It wasn’t until it was pointed out to me that I LOVE to surprise people! He then asked if he could give me a new name, “Darby- The Girl That Surprises”. How fitting.
Truth be told, I learned surprising people by my daddy. While my earthly dad has brought me surprise gifts on more than one occasion, I’m not talking about him (but THANK YOU for all you do pops!). My heavenly father has surprises for me every day- whether that be elephants and pineapple (see previous blog) or a beautiful sunset, He shows me how much He loves, cares, adores, and values me EVERY DAY. I never expect His surprises, for I am not worthy of all of the blessings He pours upon me; however, He never fails to surprise me. Sometimes He surprises me with the direction He sends my life (a terrifying yet magnificently beautiful way to live), sometimes by His extraordinary provision, and by placing people in my life to show me His love (such as my amazing team and co-leader).
That’s why I do it. I surprise people because that’s how my daddy taught me to love. So here is my challenge to you. Step one- ask the Lord to make you aware of what surprise He has for you today (He has one, you’ve just got to have the eyes to see it!). Step two- surprise someone you love. Do something for them, write them a note, give them something, pray with them, or get creative! Show them JUST HOW MUCH their dad loves them.
Thank you all for your prayers! I am sorry it’s taken so long for me to blog, being a leader can get a little hectic sometimes and the time just flies by! But I want you to know we feel your prayers daily!
All My Love,
Darby
