There are encounters that take place as scheduled. I know with confidence that the only time for see a sunrise is to get up at a time that reflects my location. Concerns, exhibits, and dinners are partially defined by their schedules. As I child, my encounters with God had a schedule with specific times and places. I lived knowing there were windows that marked open. All other times had a closed, come back later sign on them.
I recently spoke to an angel. It caught me off guard. First, it was not in my diary. There were no plans, expectations, or awareness anywhere that this might happen. I did not see it coming. Second, it was not in a location one would expect to meet much less talk with an angel. Even now, if I imagine, my thoughts of potential places for an encounter focus on the sacred or quiet. In this case, it was a lively birthday celebration. Third, the individual did not look like an angel. Even as I write these words, I am not sure exactly what I mean. I guess my point is that this angel could have passed me on the street without notice or attention.
In our conversation I was reminded of simple and foundational truths in my life. Even as we spoke, I knew it was a conversation that I would remember for a long time.
God is at the center of my life. The Psalmist wrote words that describes the echo in our conversation and in the reflection that continues. “Your love, God, is my song, and I’ll sing it! I’m forever telling everyone how faithful you are.” (Psalm 89.1)
While there are times when I am lost, it has never been because I was abandoned. I may have wandered. I may have changed my focus. One thing has always remained, God’s love has always been there, believing, restoring, and guiding.
God is always engaged. In our faith and in the absence of belief, God is present. In our trust and in our fear, God is with us.
