Meant to Be

Forward

From the day I was born until present moment, a countless number of people – good, learned, holy people have been a part of my life.  Each one of them exerted a profound, lasting influence on me.  I wish it were possible to thank all those who helped me to be a better person.

For the very few who may have harmed me, I wish it were possible to tell them they are forgiven, that I hold no grudge.  And by the same token I wish it were possible to ask forgiveness of those I may have harmed.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a great big, joyous reunion with all those who have touched our lives and give each one of them a handshake, a hug, or a kiss of peace?  Let’s hope that God in some mysterious way can arrange such a reunion.  This shouldn’t be too difficult for the Almighty.  After all, looking back over my life it is pretty obvious that He had a hand in many of the acquaintances I made.

And isn’t it possible that with all the twists, turns and about faces we make in a lifetime that His guiding hand is always there not to push, shove, or force, but to nudge us gently in the right direction?  We can be confused and even agonize over what path to follow, and yet regardless of how feeble our call might have been for guidance, God still listened.

A storm tossed sea captain recognizes when the lighthouse keeper calls him into a safe harbor.  The captain could never thank the lighthouse keeper enough just for being there when he was most needed.

I don’t believe that people walk in and out of our lives purposelessly. Nor do I believe that the events, planned and unplanned, which fashion our lives happen completely without rhyme or reason.

If we believe in an all knowing, provident, and merciful God, then my wife, Cecilia, has it right when she says, “It was meant to be.”