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Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Coincidence? I Think Not.

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I had a pretty harrowing experience with my oldest son this week. (You can read about it here if you're interested.)

It left me thinking about many things, but the one thing which has remained foremost in my mind is that I do not believe in coincidences.

Let me explain.

It was no coincidence that somewhere between the time that my boy sustained his injury and I rushed to his side there was a nurse available to help him. Someone who just happened to be there with her own kids that night. Seeing that he was already being cared for by someone who knew what to do gave me a sense of calm that was much needed just then.

It was no coincidence that one of my son's friends happened to be there with his family that night. He was right there when it happened and acted as a liaison between my kids and I, running to them with messages of what I needed them to do so that they would not have to come close and see his injury.

It was no coincidence that one of the paramedics was from my old stomping grounds in California and that we shared common experiences in growing up there and in moving to Utah. He kept me distracted with friendly conversation and cheerful recollections when my mind wanted to go in so many other directions on the way to the hospital.

It was not a coincidence when we finally made our way to the operating room and saw that a former neighbor would be assisting with the surgery. He came out afterward to chat with us for a moment and was able to let us know that things had gone well. He did not know that the doctor had forgotten to visit with us following the surgery because he had been quickly called away to another situation.

It was no coincidence that we ran into a cousin at the hospital, well after midnight, who was there visiting his baby boy. We learned that his son is hospitalized with RSV. Talking with him helped me to realize that my own boy's situation was not dire; that he was healthy despite being broken.

Not one of these things were coincidences.

They were blessings, tender mercies, evidences to me that we are never left alone to handle things beyond our ability.

Coincidences? No. I have no doubt that every single thing that happened was part of a plan, orchestrated by a loving God who was simply trying to remain anonymous.

But I'm on to Him.

21 comments:

Janet said...

Beautiful post. I wholeheartedly agree ~ there are no coincidences!

PMC said...

Woohoo for Tender Mercies!

Deb said...

Beautiful and so very true!!! He always know what we need even when we don't!

Nancy said...

Love this. You are amazing. Thank you for adding a little bit of inspiration to my morning.

Ralph Burton said...

How's that boy today? You were very blessed. We hope his recovery goes well without any unexpected problems.

Linn said...

This is absolutely lovely Gerb.

Rachel said...

So true. If you've ever read the Levi story about when I first found him having a seizure as a baby and was taken to the hospital...we share very simular experiences that are not.......in fact......coincidences. Nope! Don't believe in them at all. I've had way too many "just happened" experiences to confirm this.

Beautiful post Gerb.

Richard & Natalie said...

You truly were blessed...No doubt about it.

I needed this reminder today.

Wonderful post, Gerb. Thank you for sharing with us.

Gina said...

Beautiful. What blessings you had that day (minus the actual event of injury). You always have such good perspective.

Unknown said...

So very true...

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
— Albert Einstein

Katrina Witt said...

aww that was a great post Gerb. It brought tears to my eyes. i love you guys

Farscaper said...

wonderful perspective!

Anaise said...

Hooray for tender mercies!

Rubie said...

Isn't God awesome!? I thank him for being right where I need him when I need him! I'm so glad your son will be okay.

Linda Drew said...

This is an awesome post. I love the way you write! Hope Allen is OK and back to normal soon. Sending my love to all of you.

Gerb said...

Janet- Thank you and amen.

Deb- It's pretty amazing how that works, isn't it?

Nance- Thanks for commenting! It was great seeing you on Saturday.

Uncle Ralph- So far, so good. Thanks so much for your concern and well-wishes.

Linn- Thanks. I'm sure there are many more lessons to be learned as he goes through the recovery process as well.

Rachel- I'll have to look up that post. It's even more difficult when they're too little to get what's happening to them, isn't it?

Natalie- Apparently it's a reminder I needed as well. Thanks.

Gina- I hate to admit that when I'm in the thick of things my perspective is not always great. It's when I take the time to find the good in things that I write about them. ;0)

Pam- Wow, I'm like EINSTEIN! Awesome.

Katrina- Thanks. Glad to hear your boys are on the mend as well.

Farscaper- Thanks. It's great to have him back home. Things weren't quite the same without him around! (But don't tell him I said that.)

Anaise- Amen! Where would we be without them?

Rubie- He is, indeed. And thanks.

Mom!!- You commented on one of my posts! You just made my year. Thanks for taking the time to read this. He's getting around well. Love you!

Chelle! said...

I love the way you think!!!

Gerb said...

Thanks, Michelle. I love the way you pay me compliments! ;)

Corine Moore said...

Just wanted to let you know - I read this... and I cried. I'm glad your son was so brave and that he is OK.

Yancy said...

Thanks for sharing this with us Gerb. Wonderful story and perspective.

In read the linked story on your own blog as well, and I must say, "You've got a pretty 'cool' son."

:)

Gerb said...

Corine- Thanks. He is one amazing kid.

Yancy- I wholeheartedly agree! Thanks for the kind words and for commenting.

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