Finding the Surprise

“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” — Henri Nouwen

God, thank you for this new day. Grant me the ability and desire to look for the surprise that is lurking in today. Unlock the places in my heart that I’ve closed off to you and others because of pain or fear. Use this day to show me the ways I can be used to love others more fully. Let me not get caught up in the mundane in life and forget what a gift every single day is to me.

Tonight, I teach my first face-to-face class for the semester. Help me to model the strategies of empathy, vulnerability, trust, and empowerment for my students to see. Let the light of Jesus shine through me as I talk about edtech. That seems like a convoluted request and an impossible reach in public education, but I know you can do that, God. This semester, and specifically in this day, use me to influence future teachers for your kingdom. Give me patience, understanding, and joy for the task at hand.