As much as I’ve not enjoyed being quarantined, isolating has made me aware of the preciousness of company. I doubt that I will ever again take for granted the time and presence of another person who comes to visit, or whom I visit.

It’s helped me recall the names of loving people whom I haven’t seen in many years. It’s shocking how much time passes between blinks.

Years ago, on a different blog and going through a very tough time, I shared (probably too much) how devastated I was. One dear lady finally told me that reading my posts basically shredded her heart, and she was in tears telling me the amount of pain she felt reading them.

A light bulb went on. I realized no one needed to hear about more heartbreak and sadness. There wasn’t enough encouragement in the world, and there may never be enough. But decided then and there to contribute to different pool.

So, when her name dropped into my heart this week, I should have called immediately. An embarrassing number of years had passed since I’d reached out. Then, I got busy and forgot. A few days later, it came to me again. I went to a social media platform she used to frequent. The last post was over three years old. In these days, a lot can change very quickly. Since the last time we’d talked, drastic changes occurred. I didn’t know where she was, or if she was given the health climate of the world. I expected a few days to pass at best and possibly weeks. Nonetheless, I composed a message and hit send.

She stunned me by responding almost instantly with her phone number.

My timing was perfect, she said. She was going through a very tough time with a relative that was breaking her heart. The years between melted away and we picked up right where we’d left off.

Clearly, YHVH had orchestrated ourrendezvous. When He uses me to encourage another, I feel humbled and awed. I’ll probably never get used to the feeling of lining up with divine order.

Too often I think, “I haven’t got anything to say, nothing to share, how can I possibly help?” It’s easy to discount our experiences. How often do we underestimate what He’s placed in us? We may never realize the gravity of encouragement our words offer to those who needs to hear them. A kind word. A caring word. Think of what they’ve meant to you, when you’re on the receiving end of what my friend Terri calls “Love bombs.When we send a card, or a prayer, an invitation, it’s a simple act of compassion that’s meaningful to the receiver. Here’s an example.

One of my close relatives was diagnosed with a heart concern. Her newest friend emailed asking how she was. My relative responded with a less-than-truthful “I’m fine.” But, she felt God said, “Do you think it’s a coincidence that I had her reach out to you?”

My relative wrote another email to the new friend, expressing her heart concern and the procedure they wanted to perform. The new friend wrote back that she had endured the same exact condition and was told the same news and — was healed by divine intervention. If my relative hadn’t shared, she wouldn’t have gotten that message of hope.

What this means for you

Reconnecting to my friend took less than fifteen minutes. A few texts, we’ve refreshed our friendship and she feels less alone. No matter what happens in her life, she knows YHVH sees her. My relative also knows that YHVH has heard her prayers and now has someone who can pray with her about that issue and encourage her. I’ve been very encouraged lately to hear from others who have experienced loss similar to mine with their timely prayers and “love bombs.”

It’s no mistake that you’re reading this today. I want to let you know that your experiences will not be wasted. There are people out there who would be comforted to know someone is thinking about them. That they can get through their tough times because they’re not alone. If you’re getting someone’s name, it’s likely they’ve been praying for an answer. Your message could be the very thing they need.

If you’re thinking, “So and so has been on my mind a lot lately.” Call, text, or email them. If you haven’t had anyone on your mind yet, consider yourself warned and arm yourself with a positive response when it they call.

Remember to share your stories with us! I enjoy hearing from you.

Thanks again for the likes and follows that have been pouring in. If you know someone who might be encouraged by this message, hit the share button. You’re the best!