In Others' Words: Risk

"You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen." ~Paulo Coehlo, Brazilian novelist

Can I really stop the unexpected from happening? 

Yes. If I cling so tightly to my plans, to the mindset of "this is how today must go" then, yes, I can overlook the unexpected. Ignore it. Miss it completely. And, in a very real sense, stop it from happening. At least as far as I know, the unexpected never occurred because I didn't acknowledge it.

What a shame. 

Yesterday went nothing like I'd planned. My daughter Katie Beth, aka The bride to be, fell and hurt her ankle. Badly. I am thankful that she didn't break it, but we spent a good part of the day determining that. 

I couldn't stop yesterday from spinning out of control. Looking back, I realize that life was fuller because of the mishap. Friends and family surrounded us with prayer and encouraging words and positive comments on Facebook. 

Would I prefer that Katie Beth not be injured? Of course! But in those unexpected moments there was good to be found. But to see the good, I needed to let go of the expected and embrace the unexpected.

In Your Words: Are you a risk-taker? How do you react when your plans for the day get upended by the unexpected? Have you discovered good in the unexpected?

photo by jscreationzs/freedigitalphotos.net

In My Words: Never

Fill in the blank: I could never _____________________________________.


Really? You couldn't? Why not? Is it illegal? Immoral? 


Or are you just scared? Afraid to try something new, something risky, something daring.


Look at that blank again: I could never _______________________________.


Maybe you could.


Maybe you should.