Bro Rod Morgan
Life is More Than Mere Coincidence
In his stage play, "The Moving of Lilla Barton", author John MacNicholas tells the story of Lilla Barton, the widow of an Episcopal Priest. Following her husband's death, Lilla is being pressured to move quickly out of her home to make way for the new priest assigned to the church her husband had been serving.
Having no idea where she will go, Lilla knows she is not ready to pack up and move and she is not about to be rushed or pushed around. Facing eviction, Lilla appeals to the assistance of the Bishop.
In a series of remarkably timed occurrences, the crisis is resolved, Lilla locates a place to live and all her needs are met. All of this is possible because the Sheriff, a man named Tate refuses to evict her.
The sheriff stands up for Lilla because he had once received a great kindness from her husband. In his role as parish Priest, Lilla's husband had provided care for the Sheriff's son during the son's critical illness although neither were members of his church.
As the Bishop arrives to escort Lilla to her new home, she says to him, "That was a very strange coincidence, don't you think, Sheriff Tate being the father of that boy?" To which the Bishop replies, "I don't think so. I've come to believe that "coincidence" is a word we use to pretend God is not paying attention."
Perhaps the life occurences we have been calling coincidences contain much more than we first thought. God chooses to involve himself so thoroughly in the lives of those who live in faith in Him that he is at work to bring good out of even the most difficult and tragic life events.
It is no coincidence, no unplanned, random occurence that God chooses to travel with us through life and involve Himself in all that happens. He is always available and subtly moves to bring good into the midst of all human relationships.
The influence of His Holy spirit moves all who are open to His call to be part of his loving activity. They will do even difficult things for the benefit of others as partners in grace.
God is always paying attention to and involving Himself in our daily lives. Are we always on the lookout for His presence in our midst or do we see it all as mere coincidence?
Rod
