Coincidence??

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

It’s kind of funny…scrolling through Facebook has become, almost a bit of a luxury here recently. Before, in NYC, it was just another time killer when I was bored or waiting for the subway. But here in Ohio, it’s an extravagance if I have a free 3 minutes to scroll through my FB timeline. There’s just no time.

But yesterday, I was lavished with a few minutes to luxuriate on my phone.

Actually, it was the entire day. I have never received such a thoughtful gift in my life. My brother and sister-in-law surprised me yesterday with an incredibly beautiful day: a trip to the spa and beautiful 5-course dinner at a restaurant that caters to people with stomach issues, cocktails at a fun bowling bar, and sleep over at their place downtown. It was so wonderful.

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But while I was sitting in the spa chair, I flipped through Facebook and came upon this quote, and I really liked it.

“Those who leave everything in God’s hands will eventually see God’s hands in everything.”

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Looking at my phone while a woman worked on my feet, I began to feel a little…step-sister-to-cinderella-y, so I decided to unplug from “Zuckerberg’s Bermeuda Triange” and engage in conversation with this nice woman.

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We talked about the city and her life. How she was divorced with three kids. And just, typical “fluff conversation.” You know, your typical nail-technician/pedicure-lite topics.

But then out of the blue, I decided to ask her, “Are you reading any good books?” Which…if you know anything about me, then you’ll realize how ridiculous of a question that is…because…I don’t read. Like, ever.

I like to write. Hate to read. I think the last book I read was circa 2006. Not even kidding…

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So as a result, I don’t typically talk about reading either, simply because I have diddly squat to add to the conversation.

But there I was, getting my toes done, and I hear those words just come out of my mouth…“Are you reading any good books?”

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And this woman actually had a lot to say.

I could tell in her body language and tone of voice that she was a little … almost embarrassed or self conscious … about the book.

“Well, yeah, it’s this kinda…really interesting…kinda…out there book. It’s uhh, about dating and love life and just…uh…being done with playing games.”

Oh, cool. Sounds interesting. What’s it called?

“Oh, uuh…” She was fumbling to answer… “It’s called The Wait. It’s about, you know, maybe, waiting until you’re married to have sex. I’m just, I guess, trying it out my second time around.”

And I mean, as soon as she said the title, I knew what it was going to be about. She didn’t have to spell it out for me. But what she communicated between the lines, spoke volumes.

And as she kind of shrugged it off and shook her head, I looked at her and said, “I’m waiting too.”

And let me tell you, this woman just lit up. All of a sudden, it was as though we were twins separated at birth on a reunion show on Dr. Phil, because this woman gave me a huge hug.  She just opened up about how she’s been feeling so discouraged and alone in that journey lately, and how she believed that our paths were supposed to cross that day.

It was a really beautiful moment.

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After the pedicure, I opened my phone, and it was still on that Facebook page. “Those who leave everything in God’s hands will begin to see God’s hands in everything.”

And I kind of chuckled to myself, because God’s hands really were in that meeting between that woman and I. The last thing she said to me was, “We were supposed to meet.”

Little did I know that simply asking this woman what book she was reading would end up being an incredibly healing interaction, full of encouragement and hope for her.

And that was not my doing, but His doing.

That night, my sister-in-law and I were talking about how she’s trying to really be aware of God’s presence: in life’s “coincidences,” in our conversations and interactions with people, in the silence. And we both were pretty stunned when I told her about my little run-in during my pedicure, of all things.

God is always taking care of us, giving us what we need. It may not be in the most obvious or grandiose of ways, but He’s always around…if we only take a minute and look up from our phones and interact with the people God places in our lives.

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I guess it was a divine “buff and polish.” Maybe that means it won’t chip!

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263 thoughts on “Coincidence??”

  1. I love that quote! I pray by it most mornings. Packs so much meaning. Not least because we smashed all of the world’s sin into the hands of God, and three days later he proved he has power over it 🙂 So awesome that we can turn from our limitations, to a God that has none.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. It’s such a comfort to know that God has his hand on the controls.

    Did your friend mention who wrote that book?

    Great story. To watch God’s winks in action is nothing less than a glimpse into the eternal.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I love that quote also. When I look back, I do see God’s hands in everything. I see him teaching me through the tough times and bringing good out of that. I see him in the good times, giving me joy – his gift to me.

    What a wonderful testimony of how God is leading you with your story of talking with the lady who was serving you. Absolutely beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I love this on multiple levels, only three of which I can share.

    First, so many bizarro coincidences have happened in my life that I started keeping track of them by jotting notes into an email that I send to myself. Each time a coincidence happens, I reply to that email, so I have a chain of them. They wouldn’t mean anything to anyone else, but they’re reminders that God is working behind the scenes.

    Second, I once heard that coincidences mean you are where you’re supposed to be. You have no idea how encouraging that is sometimes.

    Third, I went to church for the first time yesterday since moving from the city to a suburb last June. Immediately, a woman came up to me and started asking me about myself. She later introduced her husband to me. Maybe 40 minutes later, as I walked home from Rite-Aid, carrying three liters of coconut water in 30-degree weather, she and her husband pulled up beside me and asked if I needed a ride. They should have been home or at breakfast by the time they spotted me. I was grateful that God detained them in some way, so this falls under the “coincidence” category because I feel like your pedicurist was just as grateful to meet you.

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    1. Thanks so much 🙂 that’s such a great idea to email yourself. Because you’re right, we can overlook them if we don’t stop and take notice! They’re little love nudges from God! And wow what an encouraging thought. I love that so much. I’m going to hang that on my mirror 🙂 and what a cool story! Yes! That was a divine lift for sure 🙂 hehe you are so kind to say that. Thank you so much. You’ve made my night! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  8. On my blog, one of my concepts is being a gentle witness which is who you were in this interaction….going from no conversation to what developed. Good testimony! Also, I’m sure appreciated being recognized as a worthy person. Proud of you!

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    1. Oh my gosh, Rick, thank you so much! That’s so kind of you to say 🙂 Yeah, I feel like God is always providing little opportunities for sharing His love if we look for them. Thanks for the encouragement! hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I too have been noticing a lot of coincidences as of late. Even with returning to a Church that used to be too far away. My first time back was the beginning of a series about minimalism. The coincidence was that I had been listening to many podcasts about minimalism and thinking about how to pear down the stuff!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Awesome quote friend – mind if I repost that quote pic?
    Btw – I shot you another quick question – if you have time (!)
    Back to your post – Way to be available when the opportunity came but more than that – awesome testimony to be able to connect with that lady!
    Thanks for the blog –

    Liked by 1 person

  12. That is some beautiful quote. When i hit recovery and started getting on my knees each morning it was hard to turn it all over to Jesus but every time i do i feel myself gettin closer to Him and see the good Lord working in my life, but more than that even i see Him winding through my past like a river and realise He was working on all those inexplicable and lifesaving coincidences the whole time, I just couldnt see em through the bottle, you know?

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    1. Thanks so much Natty. I can so relate to this. He is always there and holding us up, sometimes we’re just in a place where we’re blinded. What a beautiful way to start each morning. Cheering for you in your recovery, friend. Big hugs xox

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  15. Glad that you had a good time out, Caralyn! How lovely of your brother and sister-in-law to arrange that for you. God is certainly in control and great sharing of your meeting with this lady…. continue to listen to His still small voice… hugs ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Iris! Yeah, it was such a special day. I have two really incredible sisters in law. They’re more than just SIL’s … they’re also best friends. 🙂 yes He is! God is good and in control! What a comfort that is! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Love the last line about the nail polish! 😂 It does sound like God worked some magic with that little encounter. 🙂

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    1. Haha thanks girlie 🙂 I think you’re right…I mean, it was just way too orchestrated to have just happened “by chance.” I really do believe that He works in mysterious ways…even in a pedicure session! Haha Hope you’re having a great night! Thanks for stopping by! Xoxo

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Every book is a conversation maybe all your books are people. We all learn differently. I tell my daughter I haven’t found anyone cool enough, yet. I don’t know if it’s waiting I’m just okay without the preoccupation of finding, love or dating. It’s all kind of, meh. 😀

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    1. Every book is a conversation. What a fascinating perspective. I think you’re really onto something there. Yeah, there is a lot of emotional exhaustion thy comes with opening your heart up to another person. I hear ya there!! Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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      1. I might be dating myself we’ve been together for a while. Eight years, I think. We’re ten years apart so the females size me up quick. Do I have a house? Car? Timeshare? Will I change, ever? When you met someone it once felt like, destiny. I think that’s what I’m waiting for. I’m okay with waiting I’m good company.

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      5. I hung out with some arena rockers that turned to their faith. When the public wants you one way it’s hard to change that image. Like, the Mani Pedi lady she wants for, someone. So she creates that path. I’m glad she met you. Ever read FLANNERY O’CONNOR? You might like her

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      6. Oh cool! Yeah, I can’t image what it would be like to have a public life and a private life. That seems like it would be really difficult. I haven’t! Thanks for passing that author along 🙂 hugs xo

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      7. I think we all have that division. Would Jesus be shunned at a rooftop party in New York or at a dinner on a farm in the Midwest. It’s unfortunate that culture and especially pop culture changes our actions and limits our acceptance of others. The Pope took a hard line about this a few weeks ago that our actions in the public should always reflect our beliefs. Faith is not a water faucet.

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      9. To be relevant we sacrifice faith for social importance in the world. I believe that’s where the breaks in the church happen. There was always a dominant culture but, not like this the way things are now. We sell ourselves for little gains and sacrifice, so much. For the wrong reasons.

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  19. Like the picture. You look so happy so focused so confident. It is also the way you write sure of what you believe although it sometimes takes some maneuvering to get there. Waiting is a strength. Waiting is an intelligent choice as the first time happens only once. It is also an evidence of an exercised faith powered from a source that grows the more you are in the Word. Good post Good topic good example for others. I have to keep reading your posts to keep learning. Thanks. John

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    1. Thanks so much John! Wow, these are such kind and encouraging words. I am very touched. You’re right-there is power in the Word. That is honestly something I need to work more on 🙂 thanks for stopping by and sharing this powerful perspective. Hugs and love xox

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  21. Don’t read? Gimme a break, you have like 500 comments from people on every post you make, and you read and reply to all of them. You bother reading my posts sometimes, and I see you everywhere on WordPress blog posts you’ve read… sometimes I wonder if you do anything BUT read.

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      1. Yes it did, sometimes that’s a challenge to engage, it’s just easier to be buried in my phone. I’m working on that. I don’t take my phone everywhere now. Sometimes I leave it in the car. You’re welcome XOXO

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      2. Oooh leaving it in the car – that is a power move if I’ve ever seen one! I may try that–it gives me a slight wave of anxiety to think about but I’m going to try to rise to the challenge 🙂 hehe Hugs and love xox

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  23. It looks like you had a wonderful time. God works in mysterious ways. I am glad you took the time to speak to this woman.
    We also have something in common. I love to write but reading is not on the top of my list😆
    I am trying to improve on this area of my life.

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    1. Thanks so much Pat! Yeah I had an incredible time. My bro and sis-in-law are too good to me! Haha ok if you work on that, I will too! My goal is to read a single book in the next 2 months. So by the end of May! Haha thanks for the encouragement. 🙂 hope you have a wonderful evening! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I have these experiences quite often..where you just know that it was divinely planned. It’s the coolest!

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  27. Every time I read your blog it always brings a smile to my face. Your sweetness shines through your writing. ❤

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  28. I’m so glad God blessed you not only with amazing rest and pampering, but with this gift of ministering to this woman. So cool! Thank you for telling us as well!

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  31. Ephesians 2:10
    For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

    Ah, Caralyn; what a wonderful moment to have! I run into situations like that from time to time, and always feels so good! Pray about having God give you eyes to see more of those. Actively seek them out. I’ve made a fool of myself a few times, but I never regret making an effort. You just never know.

    I’m glad you’re having a special time with your brother and his wife. I know that’s been on the docket for a bit. You deserve it!

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    1. Hey Jeff! What a powerful scripture verse — that’s another one — God speaks to us all the time in His Word, we just have to open the dang Book! haha Yes, that is a beautiful thing to pray for. Because you’re right, you never know. Thanks again, my friend. Yeah, I was just so blown away by their kindness. I am definitely counting my blessings 🙂 Hope you’re having a great Tuesday! big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much 🙂 You’re right == we’ve gotta love strangers just as much as we do family. For in the end, we’re all children of God – which I know sounds terribly cheesy, but it’s the truth 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! hugs oxx

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  34. Love this post for two reasons:

    1. It’s about our shared humanity, how nobody makes it alone. How we need each other and how we are just born for connections.

    2. If we just pay attention to the circumstances, the gentle whispers and nudge we will recognize God is gently patting us on our shoulders. It’s hard to give thanks for everything, but we really should- that for me is the epitome of trust.

    Thanks for this one……..

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    1. Thank you so much! aw, I’m glad it hit home with you. You’re right, God really is patting us on our shoulders — what a comforting image to think about 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and for your encouragement .Big hugs to you xox

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  36. I am reading a book by Squire Rushnell called “When God Winks at you.” How God speaks directly to you through the power of coincidence. He uses true stories to illustrate God’s intervention in our lives. It’s funny you would touch on this same subject. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing,
    Penelope

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  38. Dear friend

    Wonderful story and I am also happy for you and your “twin-sister” friend. It is a mutual exchange of what you both have in your hearts 🙂

    These wise words: “Those who leave everything in God’s hands will begin to see God’s hands in everything.” – show that we are not the doers as I have written in an earlier aphorism: “The shadow thinks it is moving, but it is the light that is moving the shadow…” So God is the doer and we are His puppets on the string (not negatively meant) And if we let lose of everything, detach us from everything,attached only to Him, then we become empty and we may become conscious co-worker of the devine plan. If we surrender to Him completely we no longer swim against the tide – and all becomes easy and light…

    All good wishes
    Didi

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    1. Thanks so much Didi 🙂 Oh my gosh, what a powerful quote about the shadow and the light. Holy cow, that’s a mind blower. Because it’s so true! He is in control, and what a comfort in that! Thanks for this beautiful response. big hugs xox

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  40. Hi lovely!

    How awesome! Can I also recommend a book I’ve written called: “God Made Sex & He Saw That it Was Good” I too was kind of alone in my journey of waiting growing up and I write this book to encourage others and also to let them know that sex can also be fun and great when you do get married… not boring and dull as the world makes it out to be.

    I can email you an ebook copy for free x

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  42. Thank you so much for sharing that!! 🙂 I love it when God makes those little miracles happen, and when He decides to use my little being for His good!

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  44. Excellent, i waited, 30 years for a variety of different reasons. Each being beneficial on their own merits, marrying a beautiful woman, with three kids. Very much worth the wait. We’ll be married 20 years next year.

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    1. Thanks for sharing this, Angelo. I’m so glad this resonated with you 🙂 Wow, 20 years of marriage! congratulations, that is so beautiful and such a testimony of love 🙂 hugs to you xox

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  48. we read the book “Hands off this might be love” by Gila Manolson when we were dating and we practiced what it preached. We hugged, but never held hands, sat on our own sides of the couches, certainly didn’t kiss until we were married. it made things really, incredibly special. my husband had been married previously and it was a huge encouragement to me that there were no underlying things that were pushing our relationship further, you know? i think its a great read!

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  49. aw I love this post ❤ I'm so glad you two met up and thanks for sharing it here. I'm really struggling with my recovery from anorexia in terms of feeling attracted to men again and have been recently realising that a lot of my suffering is from the pressure I'm putting on myself to 'achieve' a relationship. Placing it in God's hands and trusting that love – IS the one thing that blossoms and that I DON'T need to force it or fake it until I'm ready. Sending you love and cherishing your honesty, courage and generosity xx Em

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    1. Thanks so much Em, for your kind words. I’m so sorry to hear that. Struggling is definitely part of the recovery process, because that means you’re growing in who you are 🙂 You’ve said the exact right thing – place it in God’s hands. Honestly, that exact image — crawling into the Father’s arms as a little child — that was the only way I got through my recovery. There was comfort in that image for me. Hang in there, friend. Know that I am praying for you and cheering you on in your recovery! big hugs xox

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      1. The image of the Father and little child is really beautiful, thanks for sharing that too, I’m including you in my prayers and well-wishes too xx Em

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