I enjoy taking myself by...
Illustration
"I enjoy taking myself by surprise," said Peter Ustinov. I wonder how he kept secrets
from himself. You've probably discovered this about surprises: Many result from our
choices. Some people seem dumfounded when monthly bills exceed their income. The
realization swoops on them like killer bees. If we can do simple math, bills shouldn't
surprise us.
Self-serving lifestyle catches others unawares. It seemed right a few decades ago to have sex when one liked and with whomever one chose. No one foresaw dreadful surprises like AIDS and new sexually transmitted diseases.
Some surprises are connected to myths. "All roads lead to the same place -- to heaven," is one fable. "Life has two roads," said Jesus. Most people take busy "Interstates" with vast on-ramps. They speed onward with their own agendas. "Life is good" -- especially if you bring enough antacids.
The other road requires effort. It lacks glitzy billboards. But the loving people along it help others in need. This less-traveled road has surprises, too, but they're pleasant ones. Even better, the boss of the universe gives you a warm welcome home. He did that for the prodigal son.
And what about the trendy freeway? People learn too late that the expressway is filled with disappointments and has few exits. If you are on it, be ready for a surprising end. Its last tollbooth charges an extravagant fee -- your soul. Today you can still change back to the pleasant road. The Father will welcome you.
Self-serving lifestyle catches others unawares. It seemed right a few decades ago to have sex when one liked and with whomever one chose. No one foresaw dreadful surprises like AIDS and new sexually transmitted diseases.
Some surprises are connected to myths. "All roads lead to the same place -- to heaven," is one fable. "Life has two roads," said Jesus. Most people take busy "Interstates" with vast on-ramps. They speed onward with their own agendas. "Life is good" -- especially if you bring enough antacids.
The other road requires effort. It lacks glitzy billboards. But the loving people along it help others in need. This less-traveled road has surprises, too, but they're pleasant ones. Even better, the boss of the universe gives you a warm welcome home. He did that for the prodigal son.
And what about the trendy freeway? People learn too late that the expressway is filled with disappointments and has few exits. If you are on it, be ready for a surprising end. Its last tollbooth charges an extravagant fee -- your soul. Today you can still change back to the pleasant road. The Father will welcome you.
