SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us”, says Boris Pasternak, and rightly so. The other day I went grocery shopping to our regular grocery store. The smart shopper that I believe I am, I was on a lookout for good deals and savings. Yet, I spent a sizeable chunk of money for our weekly needs. I swiped my credit card at the cashier’s station and was about to depart with my booty, when the cashier realized that a system automated instant savings coupon had been printed for me. He cheerfully handed it to me saying that I would save some money on my next purchase. I looked a little dubiously at the harmless little piece of paper and started putting it away in my handbag. I had hardly walked two steps when the cashier called me out again and said, “Sorry ma’am but the savings have to be claimed today. If you don’t mind, please step to the customer service counter with your receipt and coupon.” I nodded mutely in agreement and followed him to the customer service desk. The manager examined my coupon and receipt and exuberantly exclaimed, “Congrats ma’am you are the instant grocery winner of the day. You get ALL your groceries for free!” I was stunned and needless to say, extremely thrilled when I walked out of the grocery store with my groceries and their cash value handed back to me.

I had not known the grocery store was awarding instant winners of the day. Of the 100+ customers that visit the store daily, I was the CHOSEN one. I not only felt ecstatic by the fact, but it was also a humbling experience. It was not like I could not afford the groceries, neither was it like I was taking something that did not belong to me. I had honestly paid for my groceries when this windfall gain landed on my lap! I was smiling throughout the evening. Life just gave me a very pleasant surprise. It is these small moments that show you the silver lining. It is these small instances that teach you to hope. It is these small surprises that make life worth living.

Thank God for small mercies!