some funky bunny

As a follower of Jesus headed into Palm Sunday, my family and I reflect on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowd claimed Him as king even through they didn’t fully understand what that meant. They anticipated Him coming to Jerusalem and were surprised to see their definition of king redefined.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!”- John 12:12-13

Rather than entering Jerusalem as a king on a war horse, Jesus comes on a donkey. The crowd is surprised. Jesus’ way to be king is to offer peace. The surprise they got wasn’t what they anticipated.

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem isn’t the only thing that we anticipate during this time of year. In many ways, Easter & Spring has built anticipation and has given surprise for our family every year.

Elijah and The Bunny

As many children do, Elijah was so excited to go with his Pappy to eat hot dogs, hunt for Easter eggs, and sit on the Easter Bunny’s lap when he was little. Anticipation and excitement was building in the room for him and all the children. They would meet the Easter Bunny - a soft, fluffy, innocent, wholesome, long eared creature. After a great egg hunt, Elijah was extremely surprised and unnerved by this good intentioned but very funky looking bunny. This surprise was not what he anticipated.

That happens to us all through this season. Kids anticipate opening Easter eggs to find their favorite sweets and instead find the one they despise. They recover by giving it to their siblings but it wasn’t what they expected. We wait for flowers to bloom only to find that a vole ate the bulbs - no blooms this year. We anticipate being with family only find them no longer with us. That happened for us one year when my father-in-law passed away on Easter Eve.

But there are good unanticipated surprises too. The weatherman predicting rain for days and the sunshine shows up instead.  Anticipating a full furnace replacement only to find out it is a $50 replacement part. Heading to the physician’s office for a perceived major medical concern to find out a daily prescription changed your life. Losing your job and then realizing you’ve been giving the opportunity of a lifetime.  

Let’s build some anticipation for our families this Spring and give them a surprise. Maybe your teenage daughter needs an impromptu Easter egg hunt to remind her of Great Grandma. Your spouse just might need a surprise trip away to build memories and spend time with you. And don’t forget about your Mom and Dad. They may be anticipating only giving at Easter but what if you gave them the gift of a surprise visit and saved some of their special stories to share with your family.

As you build anticipation and give surprises this spring, I hope that God surprises you!

Searching for wisdom and asking for grace,

Jody