Lone Peak, Shared.

Ordinarily I try to find a quiet, out-of-the-way place to read Liturgy of the Hours but the Adirondack chair with the full on view of Lone Peak was just too inviting of a place to sit and read morning prayer. The first speaker of the day finished a half hour early so I took advantage of the long break and the flawless weather to grab the Breviary and head out doors. I found the set of 4 chairs after looking around for a quiet place with a view of the mountain and comfortable place to sit. Just as I was getting ready to sit, another lady came up and sat down in one of the other chairs. Rather than find a more secluded place, I proceeded to read the prayer. When I finished, I closed my eyes to continue with private personal prayer. When I opened my eyes again, the lady spoke to me  with a very deep southern accent asking why I was visiting the resort. We chatted back and forth for several minutes before she asked what I was reading. I explained the concept of Liturgy of the Hours to her. She then showed me her book which was a Christian meditation book written, I believe, by Rick Warren.

The conversation immediately took a very different turn. She talked about her decision to continue to live in Nashville even though her son moved to Charlotte with his family because she felt she called by God to remain in Nashville. She wanted to move to be near her son and grandchildren but that it was God's will that she not join them yet. I talked about how I wished that I had learned to turn my life over to God much earlier in life so that I could have avoided all the years of pounding my head against the wall. She reached over and grabbed my hand and locked her eyes on mine . She then reminded me that I should never second guess the choices I made in the past but only to remain open to what is asked of me of today and tomorrow.

I continued to chat with this beautiful woman for another 20 minutes about matters of ultimate concern to us. There was, on part on my part, no hestitation or reluctance to talk about my faith. It did not feel odd or forced or strange. It just flowed. I do not know if she was Baptist or Fundemental Evangelical. There was no thought of the things that might separate us. I did not think to even introduce myself or ask her name. While it would be nice to call her by name as I give thanks to Lord for putting us together today, her name is something that belongs to this world and I know that when she and meet again, we will know each other. Her soul and mine will know each other perfectly.

Lord today I give thanks that for the briefiest of moments today I became one in the Spirit and one in the Lord with another human and found myself loved by someone that before this morning I did not know existed. Bless my firied and guide her safely home.  Amen.