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Verse:“For I know the plans I have for you,” … “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
There are defining moments in our Christian journeys that remind us of God’s love and ever-present involvement in our lives.
Some of these moments occur so unexpectedly that they often take a bystander to point out the motion in the moment and the blessing in the minute.
This morning has found me alone in a new city and new apartment —2,184 miles away from family— and a week away from a new post as a hospital chaplain. As I unpack boxes, I am reminded of how different life is when compared to just a few months ago. Nobody could have predicted how COVID-19 would affect hospitals, communities, and people. Late in the morning, desiring to become acquainted with my surroundings, I walk the unfamiliar two blocks toward my new hospital.
The walk is a welcome break from unpacking.
Some items do not travel well in a move —fragile items.
Why do I feel so fragile? At the first intersection, I wait for the flashing pedestrian light to indicate it is safe to cross the street. The light is not working.
I shake my head and decide to return at a later hour.
As I turn, I see a lady behind me wearing hospital scrubs.
I cannot remember her name, but she assisted me with the onboarding process. “A cop will show up soon and direct traffic,” she says with a smile.
“New chaplain, right? I remember. I am curious: How did you choose Los Angeles?” With that one question, I realize the narrative is not complicated, but it feels fragile. I tell her my story. She listens and says, “God’s timing is amazing! You move away for a chaplain job, the pandemic begins, the job changes, but in one day, you receive chaplaincy endorsement and leave that job. Then before you get home, God directs you to a place that needs you: here. Only God can plan that!” There it is: the motion in the moment and the blessing in the minute. A defining moment in my Christian journey, where God’s love for me is evident: God has witnessed everything that brought me here, and God directed it all. Heavenly Father, when we feel alone and fragile, do not let us forget You are leading in our lives. These moments of motion and blessing are precious and planned for each of us individually with mindful detail and love.
Dixil Lisbeth Rodríguez