It's a Small World After All...

Yesterday, while in the Bay Area, I decided to do my grocery shopping. After loading my car and returning the cart, I got ready to back out of my space. The parking lot was very busy and I had to wait. Finally, as I started moving, I noticed a woman approaching my car. Truthfully, I was irritated that she appeared to be headed right for me and would be walking right next to my window as I was trying to move my car. Then as I was sort of stewing a bit, she approached my car and knocked on the window. Years of living in a semi urban center have made me hyper aware and so I wondered what this woman was going to ask for. Nothing but to say "hello" to me as it turns out. I knew her, you see. The lady was someone I worked with many years ago, nearly 20+ years or so to be somewhat exact. I took one look at her closely and got right out of my car. She looked as if she had been or was currently sick. After some discussion, she told me that she had had cancer (this was the third time as a matter of fact) and that she was all done with treatment. She underwent chemotherapy. (Even writing this word makes me a little sick.) In any case, she told me a bit about her family and then said that she had to get going. I told her that I was really glad to see her, that she was still here and doing well. What else could I say?

Seeing this woman rattled me a bit. I nearly cried on my way to my next stop. What are the odds of running into someone that you haven't seen in so long? I don't live in that area anymore. I thought with a shock that this was probably the last time I would ever see her again. It's not that dramatic but more realistic given where I live now and her age and health status. 

Seeing her really made me think. I had such an emotional response. Had I said enough to be of benefit to her? Did I say the right things? Moreover, was God trying to tell me something? (Writing that seems so literal; like a whisper in my ear maybe.) Without disrespecting anyone else's viewpoint, I don't believe that God literally moves people around like chess pieces. So, I don't believe that God placed this woman in that spot for my benefit or for hers. After some thinking on the way home, the most I can say is that perhaps the answer lies in what you come up with after the fact. How do you interpret an event and your reaction to it? I felt that seeing this lady was of benefit to me. That it was a call to pay attention, to reflect, and to appreciate the length of time that has passed; a call to imagine someone else's circumstances. And finally, it occurred to me that the world, for all of its vastness and complexity, can be very small and very simple. What a lovely gift.
Libby