Camels in our cornfield. I can go weeks at a time without thinking about the fact that our small town has an exotic animal park right next to the cornfield. Then, one day, I’ll stop to get the mail, and I’m completely overcome by the pure elegance of a camel strolling by. This is not a normal sight in rural Missouri. And, I love it.

Grandsons smiling down at me. (Happy birthday, Andrew.) He is among the handful who now loop their arms over my shoulder when we stand side-by-side and smile down at me with their handsome grins. I’m so proud of these guys. They frequently make me catch my breath, surprised not only by their height but by the men who are emerging. I like them. Quite a lot. (This is a preview of our After-the-Tonys pose in a few years. I’ll wear a fancier dress.)

Books with my name on the cover. This one comes out in July. You might think I’d get used to the idea by Book Three. But, no. I still find myself surprised every time I catch a glimpse of the cover. And thanks to the amazing work of artist Becky West, that glimpse always makes me smile!

Amazing Grace. All these things – camels, grandsons, stories-I-made-up, are actually products of a Creator who reached down when I was thirteen years old and said, “Come on, I’ve made a Way for you. He rescued me from myself and from the enemy of my soul, and He continues to show me more of my place in the Greatest Story Ever Told.

You, Dear Reader, may not have camels, or grandsons, or books with your name on the cover. But, please look around and find at least one good surprise in your life today. And, if you haven’t discovered the Greatest One of All,  please contact me. I’ll be happy to help.