Expectations and surprises.

Do we see what we expect to see? Do we get what we expect to get? Not always if we are honest, and sometimes that causes disappointment, and sometimes rejoicing.

We were traveling to Sussex today and as it is our middle son's birthday had booked a local eatery for a family meal together. On the journey we found we needed what the Americans would call a 'comfort break', so we called in at the new services on the M25. Very nice but very busy and as we walked back to the car this 'police car' went past us - we found it parked up as we drove out - not what we expected at all. A very pleasant surprise.

Then tonight, when we met up for the meal, we had the opposite experience as the food fell well short of our expectations. It was sad, but I guess Steve will remember his birthday and in time we will laugh and joke about it.

What should our reaction be? The apostle Paul suggested that we should rejoice in all circumstances. Tonight's experience may well have been one of those 'circumstances'.