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Topic: The United Kingdom (01/22/09)
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TITLE: Nothing is Coincidence | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mary McLeary
01/29/09 -
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Caroline Watson had been on her computer for hours. She had started this genealogy hobby after she retired from teaching, now she spent most of every afternoon delving into her roots. She had been quickly hooked because it had been so easy. Someone else had done all the work. All she had needed to do was type in her grandmother’s name and a line all the way back to 1700s had appeared. The line had taken her to Somerset, England. She knew nothing about Somerset, England until today and now she desperately wanted to go. The longing to visit was only partially due to her ancestors. Needing a break from the research, she went to the sofa and stretched out.
She had closed her eyes for only a second so she was startled when, upon opening them, she saw a strange man sitting in the recliner opposite her. He appeared to be in his early forties with dark hair and eyes. He was of medium build and height. She knew instinctively that he wasn’t after her money because he appeared affluent. Slowly she sat up, smoothed her hair back and said,
“Hello, may I help you?” (Good teachers never over-react and everyone said she was excellent.)
“Actually, I thought I might be able to help you”, he replied. “I’m Joseph and you’ve been reading about me today.”
Caroline closed her eyes again and silently prayed, “Dear Lord, I have been under a great deal of stress lately, but I know this guy is not the Joseph I’ve been reading about today. Guide me please.” She opened her eyes again. He was still there.
“Well, Joseph – right?” He nodded. “Joseph, I don’t usually leave the front door opened, but since you’re here may I get you a glass of water?” He smiled and said, “No thank you. I can’t stay long.”
“Halleluiah!” Caroline shouted silently. Her husband, Doug should be home any minute. This guy would be gone soon, one way or another. “What can I do for you?”
“I’ve come about your trip to England. My family use to have almost two thousand acres of land near Somerset where you’ll be going. It was given to us by the Celts. I first went there on business. I was a tin merchant and there were many caves in the area where I could get all the tin that I needed. I once took my young nephew with me. Actually, it is my nephew who suggested I come. He works in mysterious ways, as they say.” Joseph laughed softly and continued.
“I’ve been told you are a woman of great faith so you know nothing is coincidence. When you went to the computer today there was a plan to reaffirm. One thing led to another and you were reminded that all things, present, past and future work together for good to those who are called according to His will. My nephew, your Savior, wanted to remind you of his constant love. He has been with you in the past. He is with you in the present and He will be with you in the future. Plan this trip. Go to Somerset, England. Visit Glastonbury Abbey and remember how far back the faith goes.”
Caroline’s heart skipped a beat and then revved up several notches. “I know who you are! You’re Joseph of Arimathea!” At that moment Doug walked in the room, kissed her on the cheek and she woke up.
“I cannot wait to tell you about my day!” Before her sweet husband could take his hat off she took off. “I was researching Somerset, England. One of the sites mentioned Glastonbury Abbey as a holy site. That caught my eye and as I read I found that Jesus may have gone there when he was a boy. Guess who he went with!” Doug shrugged. “His uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. I just had a dream about him. Guess what else! The Holy Grail may have been there, and that’s where King Arthur is buried. I would love for us to go in July. They have a pilgrimage on the second week end. This whole day has reminded me that our faith is so old. It has provided hope through so many ages and for so many people. Nothing is coincidence. God planned our past and He is planning our future. Can we go to England and visit Glastonbury Abbey?”
Doug looked lovingly at his wife. He knew that they would go.
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