Unexpected Encounters
It became something of a running joke during our recent trip to Utah…
“𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒎𝒑 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕?”
Monic and I found ourselves asking that question a lot! It started with one unexpected encounter…then another…and another…and another!
In the Conference Centre, around Temple Square, in food courts, shopping malls, in temples, at the airport, in the football stadium, on BYU campus and even at the cinema. It seemed like everywhere we went; another familiar face appeared!
Former missionaries who had served with us in Belgium and the Netherlands. Or siblings of our missionaries or even their parents. Sometimes we recognised them, but more often than not, they recognised us.
And every time there was that wonderful moment of surprise, recognition and delight.
One particularly lovely encounter happened at a museum. We were quietly going about our visit when suddenly a voice called out, “Sister Watson!”
It was Tiffany Greene, the mother of Isaac, one of our former missionaries!
Of all the people, in all the places!
Another unexpected reunion happened at the Jordan River Temple, where we met someone who had served as a missionary in Dunfermline more than thirty years ago!
By the end of our holiday, we’d experienced around a dozen of these unexpected encounters.
It became quite funny, simply because, wherever we headed next, we wondered who might suddenly appear!
Reflecting on this experience, I found myself thinking about something pretty special… about the connections we make throughout our lives.
During our years of missionary service, we had the privilege of getting to know hundreds of remarkable young people and their families, as we worked, learned, laughed and even cried together.
Along the way, friendships formed that now stretch far beyond the boundaries of a mission. The assignments end, missionaries return home, life moves on and the years are starting to pass by, but our connections remain strong.
I love the Apostle Paul’s simple expression of gratitude: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” – Philippians 1:3
I think one of the sweetest blessings of serving others is discovering that the friendships we build become part of who we are and their influence on our lives can last a lifetime.
Our Utah adventure was filled with extraordinary scenery, beautiful places and wonderful experiences. But some of our happiest moments were never planned, they were simply the unexpected joy of meeting people we love.
So, wherever our travels take us next, I suspect Monic and I will keep asking that familiar question.
“Who will we bump into next?”
Who has unexpectedly crossed your path again and reminded you of the lasting blessing of friendship?
