Finding Unexpected Meaning

What are some ways you’ve experienced meaning in the unexpected? So often we go about our lives doing things out of habit. In general, we like to organize our moments, days, months and lives. We attend workshops or seminars, plan for meetings. We try to think of all the ways we can make these activities meaningful. Meaning can be as simple as putting a sweet note in our child’s lunch, or starting the car for our spouse on a cold day so it’s warm when they get in. Knowing the needs of another and taking action to make the load a little lighter is about creating something meaningful. These thoughts and actions are great and can make someone’s day when they are least expecting it.

“Art, like love, moves the heart in unexpected directions.” – Marty Rubin

I remember visiting an art gallery once with my son. He was considering putting his art on display to sell. I looked around at the eclectic mix of creativity. Several things caught my eye, but there were two small color paintings that struck me in particular. They were a pair made to go together. They were $200 for the pair. I was not in the market for buying anything. I just went to support my son with his artwork. Then he made a simple comment, “Momma, buy some art and change your environment.” The meaning of his words resonated so unexpectedly with me. Change my environment by adding art. Wow! What great advice. Art invokes conversation, contemplation and reflection. I proudly hung those pieces in our living room and they have provided all of the aforementioned. We also have some of our son’s artwork in our home. It continues to spark many interesting conversations for those who get to see it.

“It is strange, but true, that the most important turning-points of life often come at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected ways.”
– Napoleon Hill

Recently, I spent a normal evening hanging out with my two sons. When my oldest was getting ready to leave we stopped in the kitchen for more conversation. He spotted a container on the table that I had just purchased. Inside, it held 365 “Gathered Truths” which were diverse quotes from as many unique people, all on beautiful handmade paper stock. He asked me what they were as he pulled one out. He read it out loud, almost in a teasing manner. It was a great quote. Then he pulled out another and read it out loud, no more teasing in his tone. We began talking about what the quotes meant. Next, my other son followed in like manner and pulled a card out and read aloud. I decided to participate, too. Thirty minutes had gone by and I quietly sat back and watched this beautiful, spontaneous activity and what it was inspiring in the moment. It was definitely unexpected and quite meaningful. My husband had been in the kitchen making food and saw us having so much fun that he wanted to be a part of it, too. There we were, all reading thoughts out loud and having a lively talk about what they meant to us. I thought this would be a great type of conversation starter for parties or gatherings for those wanting to go beyond superficial engagement. I will share a couple of the quotes here so you can get the idea.

“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.” – Howard Thurman

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo. But what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
– Oprah Winfrey

“A man should never be ashamed to own that he is wrong, which is but saying in other words that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.”
– Alexander Pope

I also love the moments where you don’t want to go somewhere, but you must. You put on your best face and count the minutes until you can leave. You find yourself in a couple of Q-and-A’s you’d rather not be subject to, but you remain polite and get through it. Then, in passing, you make a comment to someone who looks more uncomfortable than you feel and find yourself talking, and laughing and lingering far longer than you expected to. A new friend or even love interest has been sparked.

“It’s amazing how you can fall in love with a person you didn’t even notice the first time you met them.”

Are you looking for the unexpected meaning in all you do? The ‘joy buttons’ that are pushed when we least anticipate it are certainly exciting. It’s also possible to find the hidden meaning in the habitual routines of our day. Some things that come to mind are trust, discipline, foundation, centeredness and peace. These are the roots that are formed when we do things that are consistent and expected. There is beauty in both. I’d love to hear your experiences on either. Happy findings!