Faith means believing that God who loves you and knows ALL things has placed you in this world, at this time and in these circumstances for a reason. Everything that happens to us, happens for a reason. Everything we witness, happens for a reason. We are being educated and tested as beings every day and in every way.
So, based on this meaning of faith, everything happens for a reason . . . EVERYTHING. This includes the diagnosis of a chronic autoimmune disease like Crohn’s. Or, it can also be a chance encounter with a stranger at the post office. Each interaction is meaningful, even if you don’t know the meaning. The little happenings that we don’t know the reason or the meaning of are precisely the events that give our life meaning.
I was in a Bible study once where we talked about God-incidences instead of coincidences. I have had many God-incidences in my life.
Because of Crohn’s, my path has crossed with many people I would not have met, otherwise. I have always believed I was dealt this hand so I could help others. There have been a few people who have helped me, too.
After my very first surgery, the nurses asked me to go down the hall to see another patient who needed some encouragement. Years later, I was having another surgery and I was the one who needed some encouragement. I was thankful for another patient who helped me.
People come into and go out of our lives during different seasons of our life. I used to think it was because I didn’t do enough to keep up the friendship. I later realized it was out of my control. God puts people in our lives when we need them. Or, when they need us. Sometimes, this is for a short time. Other times, the friends are for a lifetime.
I have been blessed with several friendships that have grown from people who were there for me when I needed them. One of these friends I met several years ago at a Crohn’s and Colitis support group. We have given each other pep talks before surgery. And, we have talked each other through the rough times after surgery. When we’re both doing well, we meet for lunch and compare “war stories”. I also have a friend who has become a mentor on my faith journey. We can all be a mentor to someone. And, we should all seek out a mentor. The people who cross our paths, cross for a reason. They were put into our lives for one of two reasons . . . to help us or for us to help them.
As I write this, another person comes to mind. I have a friend from college who, at that time, was not much more than a friend of a friend. Since college, we have taken similar paths and have become friends. We’re actually accountability partners and have helped each other tremendously.
Different friends in different seasons for different reasons.
Reflection: When you meet someone, remember, your paths crossed for a reason.
Hidden in Plain Sight 