My niece and nephew came to visit us last weekend. When they called a few days prior and said they were coming, I was ecstatic. I looked forward to us spending some long-awaited time together.

We swapped stories about our lives and the unexpected ways we encountered God’s grace.

We had a cookout and ate more than our stomachs could hold. After a walk by the lake and a quick shopping trip, laughed filled our day.

Yes this was a welcome unexpected. Not the kind that catches you off guard and sends you scrambling — or the kind that takes a while to accept and sends you spiraling.

As we took a walk down a trail, we had unexpected conversations about the significant and the silly. We relived stories about when they were younger and how faith in God had made us all wiser.

Eventually, we agreed on a mutual spot to end our trek and turn back around. But my son wanted to go further. We had taken in an impressive amount of scenery, but Ryan wanted to see more. We’ve grown accustomed to his sense of adventure so this came as no surprise. Ryan has a hunger for the unexpected. I think we all do as long as what’s digested brings smiles, oohs, and awes.

“…God can use anything to stir-up hunger in the soul. The blessing or the burden we carry depends on how we choose to satisfy the craving.”

I don’t know what your week looks like or if you’re finding much joy in it. But just in case the unwelcome unexpected has come your way, here’s some good news. Our bounce back often occur as we begin to hunger for God and more of what He has in store.

To be honest it may take a while before we feel like there is more pep in our step. But it will come. It comes as we spend time in prayer. It comes as we receive other reminders of God’s grace. Whether it is a Scripture scribbled in a journal or an unexpected question from a friend, God can use anything to stir-up hunger in the soul. The blessing or the burden we carry depends on what we choose to satisfy the craving.

Maybe that’s you this week — just needing a morsel of encouragement so you can expect more of God’s goodness. If so, I believe something better lies ahead of us as a holy sense of anticipation grows inside of us. Let’s stay encouraged and see what’s coming around the bend.

The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. – Psalm 145:15,16 NLT