Serendipity

What is it? The act of discovering something wonderful and fulfilling while looking for something totally unrelated. [OK Esther, grade me...HAHAHA!]

I had been getting a few bad vibes about my trip, and I sought some advise not knowing what I'd find. Unsolicited, I received an e-mail form my daughter Natalie:

WHEN YOUR HUT'S ON FIRE

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?,' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story:

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives.... even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

OK, my hut was on fire from doubt, and despair was creeping in.

This morning I got a call from good friend who is a prominent local Eye Doctor [Like my friend Herb this man is also Jewish] He is a man of great character and much love and compassion in his heart. He wanted to see me before I left. We met, and he gave me a large bag of snacks for the plane, and a generous cash gift for food along the way.
More importantly, he gave me great words of support and encouragement. He told me to stay focused on this mission, and that he would be following me. He further offered me any support I would need for the trip.
Yes, I was looking for something else when something good found me. That is Serendipity; or in simpler terms for an ordinary guy like me this is God saying "You have my blessing."