Do you care what time it is in Uganda? I never thought much of the time zone on the far side of the globe until my eighteen-year-old granddaughter left for the pearl of Africa last month. In spite of the era of instant communication on our planet, she has limited opportunity to connect with home. Although, she did let us know she and a portion of her missions team contracted malaria.
What is she doing in this African moment . . sleeping, praying for an orphan, or thinking of home?
Five o’clock dawn shakes my daughter, the missionary mom. Holy Spirit whispers won’t allow her to remain deep in blanket comfort. Inside guidance moves her downstairs to the computer, not the usual daybreak routine. She opens her facebook. Only one minute before, granddaughter logged in.
“Is it really you?” they cyber-speak in unison. An ocean vast but heart waves hear. Joy tears connect mother and daughter 8000 miles, 8 hours apart. And so begins a good day . . . .
Breathe and believe.
Mr. Webster defines a coincidence “a chance occurrence of events remarkable for being simultaneous.” If I decide to write a dictionary it will read, when mercy moments collide perfectly.
Almighty keeper of time and space, the One who wound the first clock.
Coincidence and Sovereignty don’t mix. Only the scattering of miracles.
Once, on October night 2000, husband Jeff carved in his workshop on the lower level of our home. Two floors away, I am busy in the sewing room. We both finished work at the same time and joined each other in front of the fireplace. Within ten minutes, he suffered a massive heart attack. I was there for needed CPR. And he lives.
Once upon another October night 2002, awakened from stillness of sleep to pray for a son who didn’t come home. Pleading on knees, within the half hour, the hospital chaplain called to say we were to come and identify a John Doe who may be our son. And he lives.
The unforgettable January afternoon in 1979. Pregnant with our fourth child, a month before due, no symptoms of labor, only a holy stir to leave for the hospital in the middle of a snowstorm. Later, I’m told he is a half hour from stillbirth. I’m asked how I knew to come in that moment. And he lives.
We can’t make our own coincidences happen. Try.
May we meditate on the divines that touch our lives, sometimes elusive, sometimes clear.
And your ear shall hear behind you. This is the way walk in it. Isaiah 30:21
Verna
In once believed in coincidence. Now, with eyes opened by faith, I can smile and enjoy God’s interventions and miracles. His holy hand in your life events is so inspiring, dear friend. Your reward and blessing for hearing and obeying.
A good encouragement from one who knows, wise friend. Thank you, Lori . . .
I love this!
GOD is so big and He really does have our backs! (and our fronts).
On another note…I love Facebook. I don’t care what everyone says about it. It has allowed me to reconnect with long lost but not forgotten friends!
Good one Verna!
Thanks for agreeing, Liz — I’m with you. When our daughter was away in missions many years ago, there was no Facebook. So glad for the cyber (continent) connections now!
Verna, this is beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for visiting, Sandy . . . and for remembering Taleh!
Thanks for sharing, Verna. Great boast about one of God’s co-incidences with daughter and granddaughter. Well written with a touch of poetic flair!
Well, I always love to boast on God in how incredible are His works! Thank you for your faithful visits, Glenda.
Wow, Verna! This stirs something deep in the soul. What a powerful testimony of the love and grace of our heavenly Father. I just found my new favorite word, “uncoincidence”. Thank you for sharing this. XO
Yes, un-coincidence, our new favorite word! Thank you, Laura!
This is a great reminder that there are no coincidences–only the will and workings of an all-powerful, just, incredibly merciful God. What a beautiful way of sharing that connection! I remember being overseas and having those kinds of unexpected connections–what a wonderful gift from God! We often think gifts are sweet, easy things like chocolate cake and winning lottery tickets, but an alert about a child or a just-in-time meeting before a heart attack are equally gifts–more reasons to love and praise God’s amazing intervention.
Beautiful said, Janeen . . . as always.