I boarded a subway train headed toward Oakland today. I sat down and promptly got out my Bible and highlighter to finish some reading for my 8 am Old Testament course. Luckily, I got none of it done for the remainder of my train ride.
A woman sat in the seat next to me and we began to talk (a rarity on the BART, let me tell you...). It seems impossible to believe, but she has lived not only in my hometown of Fort Collins, but grew up in Kansas, a few hours from my birth city of Kansas City. It's amazing how connected you can feel with someone you spend 10 minutes with. Pam told me that she is a counselor, so it isn't a wonder that we immediately felt like kindred, both being in the field of support. When I mentioned that I am getting my Masters in Divinity, she let out this sigh of joy and excitement that I will hold onto for awhile.
Pam's touching words about her journey with spirituality and love were exactly the encouragement I needed; this intelligent, beautiful woman in her 40's has a fulfilling job she loves, just got remarried, and has multiple children grown. In my current perspective of uncertainty, her story of joy and love was touching for me. Pam out poured an abundance care and empathy to me in our miniscule encounter. Every day I am being prepared to be ready for the next. I wonder what my talk with Pam is preparing me for tomorrow.
I always believe that each conversation is preparation for the next....
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