Randomness

Have you ever had one of those days where things just started off a little different? Your toothbrush was in a different spot than usual or had a squirrel stop dead in the road and wave at you. Well, that's the kind of day yesterday was for me.

My boss was on vacation yesterday so I knew that with three appointments the day wouldn't be that bad before the holiday weekend. I randomly decided to go to the gym at noon. A place that I have been consciously and lazily avoiding.

I finished up work early and decided to be productive. I started a blog, and a website. Something I had years ago but let die off. But I must say it was fun.

Rebecca, a friend from Grace was on her way to my place. As we were heading to the "Switchfoot" show at the Maryland Fair, the MOST random thing occurred. We were talking about 1 Timothy when my cell phone rang. I casually opened the phone to see a foreign number. Regardless, I answer all calls. This one was different. "Hello, it's Jonathan!" as I spoke in normal tone. "Hey, Jon... This is Alysnn Efford, from highschool... Remember me?" I paused for a moment and a rush of highschool memories flooded my mind. I was thrown back... Random questions quickly spurted in my head. "How did she get my number?","Did I ever really talk to her in highschool?","Is this really happening?" And at the same time I was conversing and answering questions. I later found out that on occasion she hangs out with my twin brother's wife and her sister. And that one of them gave her my phone number 2 months ago. At that point I released a breath and the pieces were coming together. The randomness was now taking a different form. The conversation ended up interesting and then had to abruptly end due to the nature of the speeding ambulance closing in on the vehicle. After I hung up the phone I blurted out, "that's one of the most random occurrences I've had!!!" I would have to say that the conversation I had with that person was longest I've ever had with her. Through 4 years of highschool, a random call 8 years after graduation was the closest we had been. Amazing to say the least.

Strangely, things like this are becoming more common to me and less random. Three weeks ago I walk into "Bill Batemans" to meet my roommate Paul. As I walk in, I head to the bathroom. And then with four steps taken I hear, "And there's Jon Banks!" The reason for the venture to the bathroom became more evident. I slowly panned in the direction of the voice and saw familiar faces. As my eyes reached theirs my heart reached a pace that nor a treadmill or soccer game could top. My eyes connected with my ex-girlfriend of 4 years. We literally hadn't seen each other in 3 1/2 years. Talk about an awkward situation. Again, the flood gates were open and memories were shooting out of my ears. We actually had a very civil and interesting conversation.

So the question I ponder is why? Why does God choose to bring people from one's past back into their life? Even if a glimpse or second of time, is he trying to tell you something? Is he testing me or us? Personally, I like to look forward, but it is hard sometimes when obstacles are placed in our path. Then this poses us to make a decision. Are these relationships to rekindle? Is God trying to use me as a tool to lead the stray towards him? I just find it so amazing how God works in our lives. I also believe the most random things may be the most evident that God is working.