I am constantly amazed at the surprises God plants on our journey. Some surprises we welcome with open arms and some we would like for Him to take back. “Sure, I’ll take the job promotion, but I’ll pass on the sickness,” we say. Still, He asks us to trust Him with these surprises and gently offers us the peace that goes beyond our understanding with the not-so-great surprises.

As partners and friends, you have upheld our family with prayer as we have walked through the valley of unwanted surprises and loss. True to His word, God has remained faithful, constant, and our source of peace.

In the spring of this year, God sent us another surprise, and this one we welcomed. This surprise came in the form of a man of God, a pastor who had also endured great loss of his beloved companion. In His mercy, God has truly sent my mom a shepherd to escort her to the high places after walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

On August 11, my mother and Reverend James Wolfe of Tampa, Florida, were married and officially began a new chapter in their lives of ministry. We are thankful God has given them a second chance at love and an earth partner to share in their sunset years.

The sun does shine again. God can breathe new life when it seems that all is lost.

I’m not sure what surprises you’ve been given lately. Just remember that the valleys are what carry us to the next mountaintop.

So people keep asking me, “What happens next for you?” I guess that is going to be a surprise too, but I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be good.