Perhaps I could say the extent of my surprise is indicative of my degree of having given up. 

This is the 3rd Spring for my little lily. She has been faithful to push through the winter soil for three seasons and with each appearing she gave only leaves.

But this morning? Surprise! Delight and amazement and with much praise and gratitude I found this:

Certainly the expected glory will surpass the present beauty but how foolish it would be of me to not celebrate what is while I wait for what is to come.

Can we get a life lesson from that? (You are invited to share your insights if you will.)

Galatians 6:9
King James Version (KJV)
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
via Galatians 6:9 KJV – And let us not be weary in well doing: – Bible Gateway.

And our well-doing here just might be waiting.

1 Corinthians 2:9 King James Version (KJV)
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
via 1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV – But as it is written, Eye hath not – Bible Gateway.

We have the God-given Right to do right in this wrong World,