Thought of the Sunday 32

What does the word coincidence mean?  Merriam-Webster says that it means "a situation in which events happen at the same time in a way that is not planned or expected."  Sometimes I have to ask myself if I believe in coincidences.  Are they really haphazard events that just happen to occur at the same time or are they really the result of a loving Heavenly Father.  Most of the time when I find myself saying, "what a coincidence" I think about whether it really was one or not.  Did I run into that person on purpose?  Did we show up at the same event randomly?  Why?

Two weeks ago we had the missionaries over for dinner.  It is a common occurrence.  I usually ask them what's happening.  This past Wednesday they told us about the people they were teaching and the things going on with the new Mission President (the person in charge of all the missionaries in the area).  Then one of the Elders said that Elder Malm from Salt Lake was going to come and give a fireside the next week.  That caught my attention: Elder Malm was my Mission President from my own mission, which I served in Norway in 2004!!  And now I had just learned that he was coming here!  For a fireside that I could go to!  I tell you I was so excited that I couldn't even speak English...Norwegian started slipping from my mouth.  Oh boy!  Then the missionary said, "Isn't it a good thing you invited to us to dinner tonight and not next Wednesday."  So was it a coincidence that I randomly asked the missionaries over for that particular Wednesday and that my Mission President was coming on the next Tuesday?  I don't think so.

I did go see my Mission President.  I got to greet him and his wife, I got to listen to them both speak, and then I got to chat with his wife for a half hour afterward.  She even brought me a present.  It was amazing.  I felt so loved and knew that this opportunity truly was a gift from God.  Did I do anything to deserve this gift?  I don't know.  Was there a reason that I needed to see them again after five years?  I don't know.  What I do know is that Lord is mindful of me and He has many tender mercies for me and for all of us.  So ask yourself if the things that happen are truly coincidences or is it possible that God really is involved in your life and is interested in your success.  When I realize how close my Heavenly Father is to me I can't help but be grateful for all the blessings and love He has given me.