Unexpected Significant Encounters …

Today my son let me know about a senior expo nearby. My first thought was oh yeah I’m a senior why not go. A little backstory is that for many years while in California I was on the presentation side of such expos and events. So I knew what to expect and looked forward to just going with no expectations. As no one here knows me in my previous roles in senior living and I could literally walk through invisible.

As I arrived the faces were new and yet I felt a familiar sense seeing the different tables with home care, Hospice, assisted living, and more services that I have worked with in the past. I found myself approaching the various representatives and realized That while I am not directly connected with this industry anymore it is still a part of who I am. It was so encouraging to hear the stories of others in the senior field and to see how many resources and opportunities there are for seniors in this area.

I have only lived here a year and a half visited a few times since 2018 Making very few connections within the senior living industry here. But within minutes of walking up to the expo it was apparent to me that God was unfolding a plan of unexpected significant encounters today that I’m still processing and thanking him for.

The Hospice that cared for Ken was there and remembered Ken and I. It was so encouraging and affirming to reconnect with them.

Another encounter was with someone Ken and I had met on our visits in 2018 and then when we moved here in 2020 we enjoyed hours meeting And sharing our thoughts and plans within the senior living industry. To hear from him that Ken made a difference in his life truly blessed me today.

There were a few other significant encounters with people I had connected with over LinkedIn when we were pursuing careers here. Although that is not my career path any longer it was so encouraging to reconnect with them or meet them for the first time face-to-face. They were also very encouraging and kind.

A most Unexpected Significant Encounter happened as I approached a young lady at senior living community table I was not familiar with but I recognized her name. When I told her my name … oh my goodness what an unexpected significant encounter this was. She was the person that Ken was going to work with. She had promoted encouraged and been a significant part in Ken being offered the position. That position that he had to turn down from the emergency room just days before starting. But nonetheless to meet face-to-face this delightful woman whom Ken had looked forward to working with was powerful. To hear her speak so highly of Ken and how much Ken spoke of me his wife was so delightful and affirming. We stood there tears in our eyes as we hugged each other, it was truly a moment that I will never forget and always cherish.

It was so very meaningful connecting with people who knew Ken, people who were shocked At his sudden untimely death and still think about him. People who today were sharing with me things that he said how he made a difference in the short time he was here.

Today God blessed me with several Unexpected significant encounters. And it started with my son making a suggestion that I go to an event in a place I had never been. I am so thankful For him and each person I was blessed to encounter today.

This new chapter in my life is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before or anticipated at this time in my life. However I continue to see how God is continuing to love me provide for me encourage me and show me the importance of continuing to look forward and step into each day. And how he is blessing me through my family, friends old and new and Unexpected significant encounters.

May God encourage us this day week month or year to be an unexpected significant encounter in another person’s life. Perhaps it’s as simple as sharing an event or opportunity with someone. Or being in the right place at the right time to share with someone.

And should you be the one needing that encounter I pray that God would meet your needs and encourage you and bless you.

“The steadfast love of the lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23