Divine appointments

Last year when I was about 8 months pregnant with Tucker I was standing in line at Wal-Mart when a sweet-looking young woman behind me struck up a conversation with me. Now I'm not one to start talking with perfect strangers very often, but somehow we really connected. I don't remember everything we talked about, but she asked me how I met my husband and how you can know for sure who the right spouse is for you. Pretty deep stuff for a casual conversation! She was seeing a guy but had some reservations. It was obvious she was a believer. I can't remember everything I said to her, but was touched by the meeting and by her hunger for the truth.

Imagine my surprise about two months later when, with newborn Tucker in snuggli-pack, I run into her again at the health food store. This time she's with her now-fiance and everything seems to be going pretty well for them. Except now she's trying to get some help for some health problems, the biggest one being an obsessive-compulsive disorder. We chatted some and exchanged hugs and I promised I'd be praying for her--for her health and her relationship.

About four months ago I met her AGAIN in the same health food store! Tell me what the odds are of that happening. At this point the engagement was off and she was having a hard time but learning to lean on the Lord. This time I got her name--Maria. The Lord had not let me forget her, and it was nice to be able to say her name whenever God prompted me to pray for her.

Well, the story doesn't end there. Recently I was telling my mother-in-law about this girl and the incredible series of meetings. Talking about her made me wish I could see her again and see how she's doing. Wish granted! This past Monday I had to run into Wal-Mart to get some diapers, when who should appear before me at the checkout counter but Maria! Pardon me while I pick up my jaw off the floor. That's FOUR times. I guess the Lord really wanted us to meet again, because I shouldn't have even been there. I only ran in because I'd forgotten to get diapers at the grocery store next door a few minutes earlier but didn't want to go back to that store. THIS time I got her phone number and we talked for probably 15 minutes. I hope to get together with her soon. She is going through some tough times and is searching for the Lord and wants to see His hand on her life. Please pray for Maria if you think to, and also that I'll have wisdom to know how to encourage her.