It Isn't Coincidence

coincidence : the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection; also : any of these occurrences (Merriam Webster Dictionary) 

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.  1 Corinthians 13:12  (New Living Translation) 

Today, as I was reading my devotional, the word circuitous popped into my head. Although it is not a word that I have been using to describe my recent thoughts, I think it was certainly not a coincidence that it just appeared. 

Following our daughter and her children to North Carolina was a big step - giving up the home we had watched being built and raised our children in. And a step that many will tell you not to take! "Don't follow your kids. You just don't know when they will up and move again! Then what are you going to do?" We'll, guess what? Yup, they moved back to California, but what a wonderful coincidence, we love it here! We love our house, our quiet neighborhood, new church, new friends, new sense of belonging. 

And, the puzzling reflections in the mirror, are becoming less puzzling! As my life goes on, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, I see more clearly that my being here in North Carolina is not a coincidence. Why we moved here, why our daughter moved back to California, why she remarried and moved to Oregon, why my son and daughter-in-law tried to find a life here in North Carolina but ultimately moved back to the West Coast, where he did find a job, and had two beautiful little boys and bought a house - where we all are now, we arrived through a very circuitous way. And that way was directed by God, who in the process has woven our lives so perfectly together. Each of us becoming paths for each other to the road we are now on. Then our paths branch out to other people who become significant in our lives and intertwine in their lives, where we help lead them to some new discovery as they help us do the same - all in very circuitous ways. It's mind boggling! In spite of the obstacles, the pains, hurts and tragedies we have experience since we have been in North Carolina,  here I have found joy! 

While I cannot see into the future,

"whatever may pass and whatever lies before me . . . *" 

                                  I know I will be able to discern God's hand in it!

* 10,000 Reasons - Matt Redman