Been going to a series of conferences for the last while, on my own. In general I appreciate getting time alone. The plus to this time of learning alone has been plenty of head space to take it all in. The downer has been it is often nice to have someone to bounce off that new and expanded info.
The Lord sends encouragers at the simplest of times. I sat down to eat at the lunch provided and a lady I had only recently met made sure to come over and sit with me so I wasn’t alone. We found we had a connection in the church we attend and I was enjoying getting to know her bit by bit.
More people filled up the table and as we chatted I realised I was siting with neighbors! On my left sat a couple that lives on the same crescent as us. We had been getting along so well talking about gardening, organic eating and dogs. We connected over Riddick (this isn’t the first time he has made my family recognisable). They indeed knew my dog and recognised my eldest children that trailed around after him daily. They too felt this was a real blessing to connect at such an unforeseen location and numbers where exchanged, plans for tea put in motion.
I now stood at the entrance to the conferences lecture hall, if you will, the sanctuary of a west side church. Most people had come with someone and had spread out making little room for those of us who where flying solo. Out of the blue Kathy, whom I would learn was her name, asked if I was looking for a seat. She lead me to her spot and pointed out the available space next to her. We chatted and found many a point of connection in why we where at the conference. Both of us where finding great joy in learning as older women who have done the family thing for years. A friendship seed was indeed planted as we ended up doing the courses practical application with one another; as we worked on our prayer ministry tools, together, a connection of the Spirit in us was lit.
I smiled to myself because I had just started to feel down about going to all of these lectures on my own when the Lord expanded my social circle so easily. If I had decided to be uncomfortable and withdrawn, which in the past I was pron to do at such events, I would have missed out on a blessing. It really drives home the point that there are people all around us to bless and be blessed by in the simplest way possible, sharing a little conversation and kindness.
TTFN
