Recently I had lunch with a college friend who I haven’t seen in over 32 years. We saw each other at a wedding earlier in the summer which prompted us to get together again!
After college she moved to DC and that is where she has lived. It was such a blessing and unexpected surprise to reconnect with her. I loved hearing about her life since college…her marriage at 39 and having two sons. She is a real “Foodie” and has written a book about it.
We agreed that if she came to Columbia again or if I visited DC, we would reach out. Just before parting ways she encouraged me by telling me how much the Back 9 blogs had encouraged her. I literally had no idea that she read them or even knew about Back 9. She even mentioned me possibly coming to DC to speak.
After our reunion I thought a lot about Nancy and how God used her to encourage me when she had “no idea!” That particular day of our reunion, after three decades of no contact, her kind and warm words were so refreshing on so many levels. Just like the Bible describes in Proverbs 16:24. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
I even got to meet her whole family and watch her dance with her sons at the wedding. Recently she was in Columbia visiting her 90 year old mother so she texted me to see if I could meet her for lunch. It made my day. It didn’t surprise me. Way back in college Nancy was kind, friendly and was characterized by doing what she said. So when my phone “dinged,” I was delighted to have a “sit down” catch up.
I love Back 9 living in this part of my life. Even though I am in “crunch time” for Collins’ wedding, I can and did take the time from the “chaos” to renew and catch up with a friend of over 30 years. I love to look back…to reflect at how God orchestrates our lives…and how we lose touch and reconnect.
My lunch with Nancy was all about God…how we individually studied scripture and cultivating our relationship with Christ. Our conversation was deep and meaningful…not much fluff…all MEAT! What a gift!
Little did I know that years ago, in college, a friend named Nancy would, years later, greatly encourage me in my walk with the Lord at just the EXACT, right time. Psalm 31:15 tells us that our times are in His hands. I marvel at our great God who orchestrates our lives and brings the most unusual and unexpected ways to encourage us…..
“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23).
Never under estimate running into an old friend, even if it has been years or maybe months, and offering a word of encouragement or seeking a “sit down catch up”…you never know how God can and will use that in the life of someone else…at just the “right time!”:)
Sherry, seeing you again after “just a few years” was pure joy! You have no idea how many people you touch in so many ways. Thank you!