Tuesday, August 26, 2014 Back again to sea—while on dry land. Many know it’s true; not all, but many: What we call ‘coincidences’---aren’t. What they are allows no quick or simple answers, but there is something alive and at work in our ‘ordinary and secular’ world. We were not on Saint Thomas island very long during our cruise last week. You cruise long to stay short in some places, a truth that may need attention. But we were there long enough to be impressed and blessed. The port was lovely. Even for the huge ships that sail in and out of the place. Boats anchored in the harbor—clean and neat and lots of them. Pristine water, and well kept shorelines. And shops! Lots of shops! As soon as your feet hit ‘off the cruise lines territory,’ there are jewelry and watch shops. I enjoy looking at and buying inexpensive watches. This being true, I was in the wrong place when we walked into one of the many specialty stores in this part of the port. It was ‘high end’ for sure. We “are just looking” we said several times and wandered toward the rear of the shop. A young man, in sparking white shirt and yellow tie, asked if he could help. For some reason, we stopped and looked more specifically. “How much is that one,” I asked as I pointed to a Citizen chronograph. All of these stores have a little computer inches away from the watch displays. He pulled it to himself punched in numbers and said, “This one usually sells for $1,289, but I can offer it to you today, for just $798. Would you like to put it on your wrist?” I said a sincere thank you, he was an unusually kind spirit, and explained that even such a fine price was more than I could handle just now. Then I asked about how long he had worked there and if he enjoyed working in this place. “Just about four years,” he explained, “and I came here only after God put it strongly on my heart to come to this island. I work here but I also have a ministry on the island.” It was then that I felt free to add a bit more of our story. I explained that I was just recuperating from a long series of cancer treatments, was doing well and quite thankful to God for being able to make this trip. He then said, “Sir, may I take your hand?” reaching over a display of Citizen watches. I extended it. He reached for Anthony’s hand as well. And then, in trio, he prayed the softest, sweetest prayer for my welfare and recovery. It would be easy to call that coincidence. I call it act of God. We walked out of that shop without a fine watch, but high in the Spirit. What we bring to where we go, and how we treat those we meet makes all the difference in the world as to the meaningful outcome of one’s travels—whether near or far. We separated newly-weds on their honeymoon on their way home. Delta had somehow put him in one seat, and her in another. He had the window, and we had middle and aisle. When he kept looking behind, I finally asked him if everything was OK. That’s when he told us about the honeymoon and the mess up. We offered to switch out if we could work it. He responded with thanks and then said, “No, I’m here for a purpose, and we’ll have time together soon.” He went on to explain that they were part of a ministry to inner city abused children, and that there was very likely a good reason that he and his new wife were in different places for the moment. I think so too. I like to look at watches, and talk with people who seem willing to talk about themselves. While some are hesitant for reason, most are surprised that others might be interested. There are almost always connections. Often such connections include blessings. Some are blessings received, others blessings given. Call it coincidence if you like. I call it God with us, and I pray that I can remain excited by meeting people in on board ships, in watch shops, on air planes, wherever. Because I think there is purpose waiting to be discovered in each and all of our meetings. Like our meetings here. Anonymous is some ways, but touching and revealing in others. We may not all choose to ‘comment,’ but if we’ve shared a moment or two of life, something good can come of it. Always love, always, Keith
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:35:14 +0000
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