When Memories Collide with the Truth

Many months ago, I ran into an old friend. Talk about memories! It had been almost 11 years since we’d seen each other–since she’d moved about four states away to begin a new life. I didn’t even know she was back in the area.

As I studied “Debbie” (not her real name) from across the store, I realized the years had been kind. Tall, slender, blond, and smiling–she hadn’t changed much. She was as lovely as what I’d remembered.

For a moment, I just stood there quietly absorbing my friend’s presence.

What were the chances of us running into each other? And in the middle of a crowded big box store in a city she’d moved from over a decade ago? Several miles away from my own hometown.

That area of the city hadn’t even been developed yet when “Debbie” had moved. The library branch hadn’t been built then, and certainly, neither had the superstore chain. Debbie had never shopped on that side of town because she’d previously lived in the other direction. It wouldn’t have been convenient.

Debbie and I had met in a writer’s group. Having shared the same interest, we’d become fast friends. We’d critiqued each other’s work. We’d dished about life and writing. We’d exchanged birthday and Christmas gifts. We’d visited one another’s homes. I was sad when she’d informed me that she and her husband were moving.

It was rather surreal to think that, now, after all this time, there she was shopping and smiling and meandering carefree down the seafood aisle in the same place she’d moved from and in a store that didn’t used to be there. And to be honest, I thought she was still living in “perfectville” (as she’d once termed it).

“Debbie?”

The momentary flicker of surprise that crossed her face warmed to an immediate smile.

“Cindy?” Then… “Cindy!”

It was a grand, glorious moment. One of those greeting card commercial moments where two, long lost friends fall into a hug and catch up on everything that’s happened over the last 11 years.

But unlike the commercial, our “catching up” felt rather rushed, our conversation, a bit stilted. Something just wasn’t right. The connection we’d once shared was no longer there. Fifteen minutes of small talk couldn’t do justice to over a decade of silence. Then it was time to go.

Still trying to salvage the memory of my friend and our dance with the past, I asked for her phone number.

There was no mistaking it. Her eyes gave her away.

She recovered quickly, a wide smile replacing the briefest hesitation.

“Now let me have yours.”

I, in turn, scribbled my number down on a piece of scrap paper for her.

And just like that, it was over.

We both mumbled some kind parting words and turned to continue our shopping.

I’ve reflected upon that day a lot since it happened. Since I don’t believe anything is pure happenstance, I recognize and accept that day now for what it was. A divine appointment.

Over the years, I’d always wondered about Debbie. I never really felt like there was a sense of closure when she’d moved. I believe that day in the superstore was God’s way of orchestrating some semblance of that for me.

Since our Heavenly Father brings people into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, I trust that His plan is perfect and I accept the fact that it was for one of those that Debbie and I connected in the first place.

It’s difficult when memories collide with the truth, but I think we have to look at the situation objectively and realize that truth isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Truth prompts growth when we recognize it for what it is.

******

Do you recall a time when God brought someone into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime? What did you learn?

 Blessings Always,