In Other Words--Happenstance or God Ordained?

Every happening, great or small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.” -Malcolm Muggeridge

I was standing on the platform to board the train. It was late. Go figure, this is England not mainland Europe. I was trying to keep Flower entertained in her stroller, whilst judging the exact moment to get her out of the stroller to get her and it on the train, all the while trying to keep Jewel from wandering off.

A very-American voice said, "You sound as if you are from my neck of the woods." Turned out, it was pretty close as they were from Arkansas. They "happened" to be waiting for the same train. They "happened" to overhear my voice. Their interaction "happened" to entertain Jewel for those few minutes that I needed to keep my sanity.

But this was a two-way interaction. They were being seen off by a missionary couple I "happened" to know in a vague way. This couple "happened" to be traveling for the first time by train and for the first time to London. My presence gave them a contact on the train that was somewhat familiar.

The train arrived, they went to get in their carriage, I got in mine. We were on opposite ends of the train. There was no easy way to get to them. I felt that little voice in my head, "you need to give them your mobile number, just in case." "Sure, Lord, happy to, but how?" "Just write it down. I'll do the rest." I dutifully wrote my name and phone number on a piece of paper and slipped it into my pocket.

The train arrived in London. I looked around and did not see them. I headed for the taxi stand with my 4 year old and 2 year old in tow. I'm about to get in the next taxi when I "happen" to see the couple getting into the taxi in front of mine--that I have to walk past. I leaned in the window, gave her my number and told her to have a good time in London. The taxi sped away. They never needed my number, but I had been faithful to give it. And, yet, there was still something about this "chance" encounter.

The next morning came and we were wandering across the Millenium Bridge. The couple came to mind. I prayed "God I don't know why, but it would bless me to see them again." Yeah, I know, I'm in London. They are on a tour. Yada, yada, yada.

Mid-afternoon came. My family and I were leaving the Tower of London after a full day of sight seeing. We are walking down the steps to leave. "Look up" a voice says in my head. There they were...coming into the Tower of London. We hugged and chatted for a moment. They "happened" to get bored with their official tour and ventured out on their own, straight to where we were. As quickly as it happened, they went on their way, and we went on ours. Nothing profound said. Nothing needed or shared. Nothing shared that is except a "chance" meeting by a loving God.

I don't know the full reason for those chance meetings, but I do know that I see God all over them. The story, the threads, the art of seeing God in the seemingly coincidental. And, somehow, my life is never the same.

Thank you Father for showing yourself in the story of my life. Thank you for those moments when you allow me the ability to see the artistry of how you weave it all together. May I always look for your story in my days. Amen.......(and somewhere there is a couple in Arkansas who you used to bless me, please show yourself to them today in a special way)Amen.

Our hostess this week is Kathryn at Expectant Heart. Go be blessed by the God-incidences she shares. And if you have a story of a God-incidence, I'd love to hear it. You can link up to In Other Words at Kathryn's site.