Faith on a Bench

​I just had the most amazing conversation with a new neighbor. We met over our small dogs.

She invited me to sit down with her on a bench in our neighborhood. We relaxed. We looked at the water and sky in front of us. We prayed. We listen to beautiful music with beautiful rhythms, all about abundance and prosperity and gratitude to God.

All wonderful, beautiful things to do with another person. But this is not something that has ever happened to me before, with any other person. Perhaps your soul can just connect with somebody else, based on their energy, their openness.

We talked about faith. We talked about life, and family, and goals, and so many things. I told her about my journey and new changes in my life. About taking a leap of faith. About writing a book with my son. And as soon as I said it, she said, "I'm just the messenger, but you're going to write, and you're also going to have a small podcast series that's going to help a lot of people.”

I hadn't said anything about doing that or wanting to do that.

It felt incredible, and meaningful. I was sitting next to a messenger from God.

I don't know how this person came into my life recently. Perhaps sometimes the timing of things is a mystery we can't explain. The day had not been easy. I had prayed to God for serenity and fortitude and gratitude.

I'm baffled and grateful for this faith on a bench experience. I'm thankful, in general, for the strength and bravery and circumstance to be able and willing to open a new chapter in my life. Somehow this encounter was what I needed to confirm that I'm doing the right thing for myself, my family, for God. Trying to help people in a bigger way.

I don't know what special connection this person has to God and to her own spirituality. But for me it was a connection that I will always remember and treasure, one of those dots that we connect in our life, to other meaningful moments. When you feel doubt or resistance or insecurity, and you encounter somebody who is wiser, perhaps has been there, is kind enough to listen, and lead the way. Or at least walk alongside you.

It's like God with skin on, I think. A very special moment to coincide with a new journey.

And to think, we met over our love for dogs. I feel grateful and full of ideas and energy.

So, thank you! God, and wonderful new person (you know who you are). Bring it on. My heart is open, and I'm listening. Thank you, and bye for now.
​
​

My doggie enjoying some sun and tranquility on the actual bench.