So about 7pm the other night I realized I had no blank CD’s lying around and I needed to download a song from my computer to a disc so we could listen to it during Bible study the next evening.   My day had already been quite long and I didn’t really feel like going out, but I got in my car and drove to the Staples office supply store I had been to a hundred times before.

As I got out of my car in the parking lot, I noticed it didn’t seem to be the “usual” Staples crowd.  Lots of families, lots of kids – and it isn’t even “I need school supplies” season.  But I was on a mission, so I walked straight into the store with determination and a plan to get the CD’s and get back home.  The first thing that hit me was a display of outdoor patio furniture. “Hmmmmmm” I said to myself, and briefly wondered when Staples started to sell vinyl chaise lounges and plastic tables.   Well into the store, I noticed aisles of cleaning products, cheap candles and inflatable pool toys.  And then I started to laugh.

Staples had apparently become a Big Lots discount store while I wasn’t paying attention.

There are times in life when we suddenly look up and find ourselves surprised that we’re not where we thought we’d be.  We’re not where we planned to be.  And while sometimes that change requires thoughtful reflection and surrender, other times, it’s just funny.  I think God enjoys showing us new things.  Things we hadn’t thought about before.  Things we hadn’t noticed.   He loves to delightfully surprise us and give us something better than what we thought we were going to get.

I did end up buying my CD’s in that Big Lots store.  A 10 pack for $3.  And I just had to laugh.

Behold I will do a new thing.  Now it shall spring forth.  Shall you not know it?    Isaiah 43:19