Today I met Linda.
I had seen her at church but there had never been more than the passing nod of being one in the faith. Today, however, my ears perked up when I heard the word "retirement" (2 years,25 days). I interjected myself into the conversation. Sorry about that.
At coffee hour I approached Linda and asked what her plans were. "Writing," said she, and the bond was instant. I get excited when anybody mentions writing. I told her how easy it is to start a blog, how it lets you write on any subject until you find a niche. She is far more accomplished than I, having already published, and is willing to research a long article. You know me--meandering without focus sometimes, starting on one subject and roaming to another.
The thing is, we have the same goal in mind--to touch someone with our words--one person, one time; to tell another that he or she is not alone, to make a difference. We shared something else, too--goosebumps. There we were--virtual strangers with the same thought.
We agree that there is a reason why we met. As surely as I know that this church--the building, the people, the pastor and the doctrine--was destined to become my home, I know that Linda was made known to me not by coincidence, but by design. We may never share a shopping trip or a barbecue, but who knows? We have found a common ground in our words. She feels, as I do, that sharing the dream and writing it down will keep it alive.
As I told her about my plans for a children's book, I realized that while I have not trashed the idea, I have not embraced it either. I have a few ideas and a character in mind, but nothing on paper. Speaking my dream aloud makes me aware that I can't just talk about it anymore. I need to move ahead. It's another thing for which I pray for guidance.
The anticipation of this friendship that may bloom excites me. Someone with whom to share a dream! It may continue over coffee at church or a private message on Facebook, or as a lifelong gift. Who knows? How it turns out is up to God. I only know that there was a reason for Linda to come into my life now, today, in a large way or a small one. He has spent this past year or so building a support system for me and giving me the opportunity to make a difference to someone else. I see it now where I missed it before, too selfish to think I could be a vessel for the love of God or the food someone might need for spiritual nourishment.
There are no "chance meetings". I have met, over the past year, wonderful people. Some are agnostic, some atheist. Some have no self-esteem at all. Some are depressed or suffer a moral dilemma, some have heartache. Some stubbornly resist friendship for their own reasons. These are the folks God put in my path. They are supposed to touch me in some way and I am here to touch them.
When I put down my pen today, it will be only hours before I hear from one of them. Really? they will say. You pray for me?
Yes, I do, every day. Like Linda, my new friend-to-be and Linda whom I have known fifty-odd years, you did not come into my life by coincidence. You will be in my prayers until that reason becomes known to me and is fulfilled. Coincidence? No. Sometime I will tell you about how other "chance" meetings have changed my life.
I am neither a psychic nor a prophet. I am not a professional writer, nor a psychologist. God, however, has seen fit to show me why I exist. There's a reason for Linda, and there's a reason for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment