Not a coincidence
Today was a day of Godwinks and affirmation. I no longer believe in coincidence and truly believe that God places people in our lives and creates connections for reasons we may never understand. Every now and then, we get affirmation on those connections.
On military duty this week, I ran into a soldier whose father works with me in my civilian job. His dad would ask him time and again if he ever runs into me on military duty. He humbly would say that Sergeants and General don’t often “run into each other”. Godwink-This young soldier was selected above his fellow unit members to be recognized with a commander’s coin for all the hard work he has done in our annual training period (usually two weeks in the summer). This coin is only handed out to those that go above and beyond and stand out amongst their peers. As he told me the story I knew we had to take a picture and send it to his dad. Now his answer to his dad is not only does he hang out with a General, he received a coin of recognition, AND we took a selfie. Who knows why that “encounter” occurred, but I know it wasn’t happenstance. As we talked, he and his wife are going down a path my husband and I did not too many years ago. I know this connection in this moment in time was purposeful and now they are in my prayers.
I also received a comment on my previous blog from one of my soldiers that is retired from the National Guard. I had no idea that the moment she shared had such an impact on her and her career-sometimes, we just need someone to believe in us. Funny thing? When I think of her, all I see is how she gave so much of herself to others throughout her career…coincidence? I don’t think so.
Finally, it came upon me to grab some extra food on my way home (I always stop at Smithfield BBQ to get our family Brunswick Stew every time I come home from military duty). I know this stew is loved by one of our neighbors and he came on my heart so I bought him some stew. I sent him a text when I got home and I later found he had just reached out to Rob that day for a connection as well. We don’t talk everyday so this was out of the norm…coincidence? I don’t think so.
My daughter shared today that one of our other neighbors ran into her and chatted with her about his faith journey-she came home thankful for the intellectual dialogue and the ability to ask questions and desire to learn more. Not a coincidence as she currently has so many questions about God and faith.
The verse that resonated with me today is that “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). This further resonated as we took the time to learn the name of our drive thru attendee when we headed out for a concrete treat-this simple task of asking his name and telling him thank you brought a smile that lit up his face-in turn, it brought the girls and I joy to see him smile. It takes very little for us to be kind or generous to each other. You may never see the affirmation or results of that kindness, but if you ever do see that affirmation, there is nothing more rewarding or encouraging to continue down that path. Today, I pray that, as we say in our household, you lead with love (LWL)-there is nothing more rewarding.
