My friend was just about to leave the women's restroom at a public facility. The door opened and an elderly woman entered, walking rather gingerly. Their eyes met and the woman said, "I know you." My friend did not recognize her. The woman said, "I know you from church." After exchanging names, they realized that they did indeed know each other, from church, from probably 20 years earlier in their lives. 

What a chance encounter. To meet in that location, on that date, at that time, could be nothing short of a meeting arranged by God. 

Yet, we are all children of God, all connected, and all know each other because of our relationship with our Creator. Maybe we no longer recognize each other, or perhaps we never physically met, but our relationship is assured nonetheless. 

My friend recently learned that this woman passed from this life. Our eternal relationship, however, ensures that because of our connectedness, they will have a chance encounter again. 

Loving God, remind us always that our meetings with others are thoughtfully and wonderfully arranged by You, both now and forever. Amen. 

TAGS: Prayer, Story

As you turn the page on a new year, show Him how much you care. 

For the Most Holy Trinity, Thank You God. 
For all Your creations, Thank You God. 
For the gift of Your Divine Love, Thank You God. 
For the gift of Your Divine Will, Thank You God. 
For the gift of Your Divine Mercy, Thank You God. 
For the gift of Your Divine Justice, Thank You God. 
For Your gift of Our Blessed Mother Mary, Thank You God. 
For Your gift of our Catholic Church, Thank You God. 
For Your gift of Holy Mass, Thank You God. 
For Your gift of You in Holy Eucharist, Thank You God. 
For the gift of all Your Sacraments, Thank You God. 
For creating me, Thank You God. 
For the gift to procreate children, Thank You God. 
For the choirs of Angels, Thank You God. 
For Patron Saints and Guardian Angels, Thank You God. 
For Your Priests and religious, Thank You God. 
For the seven spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, Thank You God. 
For all You’ve given me, Thank You God. 
For all You’ve taken from me, Thank You God. 
For all You permit, Thank You God. 
For all You forbid, Thank You God. 
For Your Sacrificial Suffering, Thank You God. 
For Your Sacrificial Death, Thank You God. 
For Your gift of shared redemptive suffering, Thank You God. 
For the gift of a free will, Thank You God. 
For the grace to recognize and obey Your Will, Thank You God. 
For the grace to ask for mercy, Thank You God. 
For the grace to be merciful to others, Thank You God. 
For the grace to trust in Your mercy, Thank You God. 
For the life you’ve chosen for me, Thank You God. 
For the death You’ve chosen for me, Thank you God. 
For the place You are keeping for me in heaven, Thank You God. 

TAGS: Prayer