I received this

as the first email of 2006 from the Henri Nouwen Society and thought it deserved sharing.

Expecting a Surprise

Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we
see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be
afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to
us as sorrow or as joy. It will open a new place in our
hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and
celebrate more fully our shared humanity.

Love and prayers for all of you for 2006: may most of the surprises be joyous ones.