“Life isn’t always predictable—but that’s what makes it beautiful.”
It was the end of a long workday, and I had just finished uploading documents. The only thing left on my to-do list was dropping them off at another office on campus. I wasn’t expecting much—just a quick task to finish before heading home. But as I’ve learned, life often surprises you when you least expect it.
As I walked toward the shop where my coworker worked, I noticed him focused on a task. I figured I’d quietly drop off the documents and leave without interrupting. But before I could say a word, he looked up, smiled, and approached me.
“Oh, you’re an angel,” he said, as I handed him the documents. “This really helps us a lot.”
I smiled, amused. “No problem,” I replied, expecting the conversation to end there. But he lingered, steering the chat away from work.
“By the way, did you ever end up watching that Shakespeare show you mentioned?”
I blinked, caught off guard. Wait, he remembers that? I shared how I had recently watched Romeo and Juliet in Italian, complete with subtitles, and how I was planning to see another Shakespeare play soon. The conversation flowed naturally, touching on theater, travel, and art.
Then came the question that made me pause.
“Are you interested in watching Shen Yun?”
I could almost hear my internal voice kicking into overdrive. Is this just curiosity, or is this something more? I played it cool and responded thoughtfully, acknowledging the cultural significance of the performance. But internally, the thought lingered: Is this what I think it is?
When the Energy Shifts
We continued talking about art, and at some point, I mentioned I had been working at the organization since 2010. That’s when I noticed the subtle change. His face registered surprise, and I could almost see him doing the mental math. He hadn’t realized how long I’d been at the organization—or, more likely, how much older I was than he assumed.
And just like that, the energy shifted. His tone adjusted, as if he were recalibrating his understanding of who I was. He didn’t make it awkward, but the shift was undeniable.
I couldn’t help but be amused. Here was someone who had assumed we were peers, only to be surprised by the truth. It reminded me of John 7:24:
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
How often do we make snap judgments based on what we see, unaware of the depth beneath the surface? Instead of feeling self-conscious, I reflected on the humor of the moment. Ecclesiastes 3:1 came to mind:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
God’s timing is always perfect, even in situations as simple as a conversation. What I thought would be a routine task turned into a moment of reflection about perception, assumptions, and life’s unpredictability.
The Humor of Human Interaction
As I walked away, I couldn’t help but smile. What began as a simple task ended with a reminder that life often veers off script in the most delightful ways. Human interaction is full of surprises, and when we’re open to them, we gain insights we never expected.
Proverbs 16:9 came to mind:
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
I had my plan—a quick drop-off and exit—but God had His, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the unexpected.
Soul Insights
1. Assumptions Are Starting Points, Not Endings
We all make snap judgments—it’s human nature. My coworker assumed we were closer in age, but that assumption wasn’t a roadblock. It was a starting point for deeper connection. In life, assumptions should open doors to discovery, not close them off.
2. Small Conversations Can Lead to Big Reflections
What seemed like casual small talk about Shakespeare turned into a moment of introspection about timing, human connection, and perception. Sometimes, a brief conversation can reveal truths we didn’t know we needed.
3. Age is a Detail, Not a Barrier
His reaction to learning how long I’d worked there reminded me that age is just a detail. It doesn’t define relationships or limit the depth of meaningful interactions. Instead, shared interests—like our love of art—created a bridge.
4. God Works in the Subtle Details
This wasn’t a major life event, but it carried a gentle reminder of God’s presence. As artist Camille Pissarro once said, “Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where others see nothing.” God often teaches us through the subtle moments, weaving lessons into the fabric of our daily lives.
5. Joy Comes from Life’s Surprises
Had I been in a rush to finish the task, I would have missed the joy of this unexpected connection. Life’s beauty lies in its surprises—those moments when we pause, embrace the unexpected, and allow ourselves to be present.
Final Thoughts
I don’t know if my coworker will bring up Shen Yun again, and honestly, that’s part of what makes this memory so sweet. Whether it remains a lighthearted encounter or leads to something deeper, I’m grateful for the reminder to embrace the unexpected.
Dr. Seuss once said, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” This experience was one of those moments—small yet meaningful, unscripted yet unforgettable.
So, the next time a conversation takes an unplanned turn or someone surprises you with a question you weren’t expecting, lean into it. As life’s rhythm unfolds, you may find the most valuable lessons in the places you least expect. After all, isn’t that what makes life beautiful?
© 2025 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
Leave a comment