7 Can't-Miss Surprises That Can Make Someone's Day

Do you like surprises? Some of you might say, “NEVER!” Others would respond that it depends on the kind, how and when. That makes sense. Perhaps a few of  you super-extroverts would plead, “I love surprises. Give me as many as you want.”

So we’re all different and that’s good. Although there are probably a few unappreciated surprises that most of us would say we can do without. You know, that neighbor or family member who always “surprises” you at the most inopportune times or that call or email telling you that you owe money you didn’t remember or know about.

And I would guess that most of us don’t like being surprised when someone at home or work scares us with some silly appearance, noise or pretend snake in our desk drawer.

Of course, we also dread the surprise of a health diagnosis or sudden loss of a person we love. Yes, I would guess that when some of us hear the word “surprise,” it doesn’t bring good thoughts or memories.

So today, I want to mention 7 categories of surprises that we can give to others that can offset the negatives and hopefully make someone’s day or week. Each of us will have to determine who, when, where and how the specifics should go, depending upon the person and setting, but I’m pretty sure these ideas can have some fantastic outcomes.

So here we go.

First, Try a simple compliment. Be genuine, not over the top, but kindly and appropriately specific.  “That outfit really works for you. Love the hat.” “Your presentation was as clear of an explanation as I’ve heard in months.” “I sure appreciated how you responded to that child in your class.” Romans 15:2, “Each of us should please their neighbor for their good, to build them up.”

A related surprise would be . . . Say thank you.  “Thank you for going the extra mile for our program,” or “Thank you for calling me back and communicating so clearly.” “Thank you for being the special teacher (or leader) you were for my children over the years. Ryan talks about you all the time.” “Thank you for being there when I was hurting the most.”

And if you want to have the most impact, sometimes send a handwritten note or talk to them in person when that’s possible.

Third, ask someone if you can pray for them. Most of us have something, big or small that, yes, we would love to invite God into, the supernatural. This can be one of the best confirmations that your “surprise” actually mattered. You don’t need detail, just enough to pray even the simplest of prayers. Colossians 1:3, “We always thank God . . . when we pray for you . . .”

Fourth, we could as earlier talked about thank someone for what they did for others, but this idea involved sharing how much their life, example, involvement, whatever meant to YOU personally. There are people who will never know their impact or who didn’t think they made that much of a difference to you or anybody for that matter. They will no doubt be extremely blessed to know that their time, efforts and emotions for you actually counted. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

Fifth, based on a person’s likes, interests, circumstances faced, etc. get them a small, appropriate gift that you know they (and maybe they alone) would appreciate. I’ve mentioned that a tiny nativity scene we left up all year became very meaningful to us when we faced our cancer and kidney challenges, reminding us that “God Is (and Was) With Us,” during those times.

So we’ve periodically given something similar to people we knew were facing their own tough year. But our gifts can also just be something fun, simple and yet special because they knew we actually were thinking about them and who they are.

Sixth, surprise them with kindness. No agenda, no requirement, just because. Buy their lunch, bring them a treat, watch their kids, mow their lawn . . . this one has far too many possibilities to even name the categories. Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another . . . “

Seventh, just stop by and/or call and see someone who wouldn’t think you would. This is an employee who you don’t supervise but you’re still their boss. It’s the voter who would never expect a call from a public official, it’s the volunteer who would never anticipate a higher up visiting with them, it’s the parent at the school who might never think a teacher or counselor or principal would know their name and talk to them.

You want to make someone’s day, then give one or two of these little actions a try. I’m pretty sure that their day will be better, but yours will too.