A Chance Meeting

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. ”

Philippians 4:8

Well, it was a Tuesday and like so many other Tuesdays I was running late for a meeting. Ugh! The thought of walking into a meeting and catching the eyes of a bunch of people was not something I was looking forward to. As I pulled into the parking lot, I was already perturbed. Somewhere between trying to reason with a six year old (and failing badly), getting a speeding ticket and getting to work 20 minutes late I was through – even before my day started. As I pulled into the parking lot and headed into the building I would have given anything to hit the rewind button on this day. There I was all in my feelings, ready to pour out my morning frustrations to the first kind soul who asked when all of a sudden I saw Susan*.

This was my first time seeing her since she went out on leave just before Christmas. She was expecting a baby girl at the end of last year but had an emergency C-section that resulted in the loss of the baby.  I saw her get into the elevator right after me and I quietly said hi; told her that it was really good to see her. The place and time just didn’t seem right for much more.  And the struggle to say something meaningful that would lessen the pain was no easier now than months earlier when we all heard the news.

And just like that, it happened.  All the frustrations of the morning melted away. The failed opportunity to connect with my child. The embarrassment of getting a ticket only to arrive at work very late. And stares I’d face as I walked into this meeting. It didn’t matter. None of it mattered. Because I had stood in the same space with someone who would have gladly traded my trivial sorrows for hers.

In that moment, God spoke to me. Actually, he did several things. He closed my mouth to the expressed frustrations of the morning. He opened my eyes to the blessings he had entrusted me with (two beautiful children). And he brought to mind the sheer pain and anguish that had blanketed her life for the last few months.

Stop complaining.  Your issues are trivial. I was reminded of Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ”

Sometimes even with the best of intentions you still arrive late; your child, spouse or friend sideswipes your plans and/or your agenda changes right in front of you. There’s always a reason. And you may never know the real reason why God orchestrates those things the way that He does. But sometimes He is gracious enough to let you get a peek. Take a peek. And then remember what He showed you.

#death #complaining #blessings #thoughts #philippians