Reminder: God Is in Control

Message (paraphrased) to me from a lady sitting at a picnic table in Providence's Memorial Park (along the Providence River) as I was walking by (she was reading a Bible, and spoke to me as I passed) : "God is making a path for you (meaning me) and guiding you through it. He is calling you to put your trust in Him."

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An interesting thing about this encounter (which is a strong example of the way the Lord guides the many threads that make up the beautiful tapestry He is working on - a tapestry we only occasionally get tiny glimpses of, but which will be revealed at the end of time): I was "guided" from the path I was walking to go past her.

I had some twenty minutes before my bus to East Providence was due, so I strolled from the Canal Street bus stop along the Providence River toward South Water Street. There is a boat landing at Memorial Park (the park that has the various war memorials), and this landing is set to go up and down as the water level rises and falls. I went down onto the landing to check out the low tide scenery up close.

My plan would have been to continue walking along the lower sidewalk (close to the river) after I left the boat landing. However, a rescue went over the College Street bridge, and the siren stopped shortly afterward. I altered my course and started ambling toward South Main Street. I had only gone a very short distance when I looked at my watch and reevaluated my decison - the time available was not enough to continue in that direction. I altered my course and headed toward South Water Street, this time on the upper sidewalk (near the memorials). This new route "happened to" bring me past the picnic table at which the older woman was sitting, and, for whatever reason, she was inspired to start speaking.

All in all, it was a strong reminder that God is in control of all that is going on in my life and in the lives of those around me.  Thank you, Lord!!!