Encounter

I had an early meeting today with a friend in a coffee shop. Great talk, great mutual encouragement. Time flying by.

As this time ended, we were rising to depart our separate ways, and I noticed, a few tables away, a man with Bible opened. Sitting by himself.

Quickly into my mind came this prompt...say "Hello." And after a bit of resistance, I stepped towards the table and as I did, this intro came to my mind: "Understandest thou what thou readest?" An ancient translation of Acts 8:30. The ancient words I understood immediately to be a way to include a modicum of humor, friendliness...and engagement.

After a bit of a suprised look, a smile broke across his face and he replied..."I sure hope so."

With that we began a conversation that was mutually uplifting...great similarities and interesting differences.
Similarities:
Both pastors
Both teachers
Both Kingdom of God questers
Both with challenging journies.
Both with a current same good friend!
Both writers and recent publishers.
Both disciplers in similar directions.
Both risk-takers and open-hearted.
Differences:
Family situations.
Spiritual roots.
Current challenges.

It was a great conversation out of which we exchanged ideas, and contact info...and perhaps started a friendship.

Did we meet by chance?

Don't think so.
What I really believe is that the Spirit of God has all kinds of agendas for us that are useful in His hands and make our journeys so much more lively and exciting.

"Chance" encounters...it's part of Kingdom life...where it seems more and more that a lot less stuff "just happens."

On the journey, with you...